The life activity of people is closely related to various microorganisms living not only in the external environment, but also directly in it.
According to some studies, each of us is home to about 100 trillion.all kinds of unequal organisms.
In medicine, all organisms that pass through the host are classified as parasites, and fungi, bacteria, and viruses are distinguished separately.
Pests in the human body can be divided into types:
- Protozoa - Amoeba, plasmodia, pneumocystis, lamblia, trypanosomes and others;
- Helminths - Parasitic worms;
- pathogenic microorganisms;
- Various arthropods - mites, insects, etc.
Their primary task is considered to be a hidden entity.Therefore, many of them are difficult to detect immediately;Sometimes a disease caused by a parasitic organism can last for years without visible symptoms or complications.
According to some studies, about 85% of humanity is infected with worms, and this is not even reported.
Therefore, it is necessary to test each adult for parasites once a year.
A range of signs and symptoms caused by parasitic organisms
First of all, the presence of parasites in the human body is indicated by the following:
- Any discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract can indicate worms.
- Susceptibility to infectious diseases and general fatigue, as a result of the lack of micronutrients caused by pests.
- All kinds of allergic manifestations - runny nose, rash, cough caused by unreasonable factors (the cause is often called parasitic waste).
- Weight loss with adequate nutrition.
- Dull skin due to lack or deficiency of essential vitamins due to absorption by parasites.
- Itching in the anus (symptom of enterobiasis caused by pinworms).
- Problems with nails and cracked heels.
Individual cases do not always mean the presence of harmful organisms in a person, but if several symptoms are combined, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible for a recommendation and conduct appropriate studies of dysfunctions.
Tests for the detection of parasites in adults
It is not possible to capture the entire spectrum of parasitic organisms in a single-spectrum and inexpensive survey method.Therefore, a comprehensive analysis for parasites is often carried out.
In addition, the following can be diagnosed: urine, feces, sputum, blood and blood and tissue areas of the human body.
Let's consider the types of research used in modern medicine.
Histological coprogram
Fecal parasite testing involves using a microscope to examine a patient's stool for the presence of larvae, eggs, or fragments of adult parasites.
Using this method, many types of worms can be identified, but it shows maximum effectiveness when detecting harmful organisms living in the intestines.
It allows to diagnose ascariasis, hookah disease, trichuriasis, enterobiasis and others.
To identify the parasites of the stool, it is collected in a jar provided in a hospital or in a container purchased at a pharmacy for a detailed analysis of the interpretation.This container is filled into a third one, taking into account that foreign substances (blood, urine) do not enter it.
Collection is done until 11.00.If the stool matter is kept in the refrigerator, it can be checked within 8 hours.But in the best case, the collected material should be transferred to the laboratory within an hour.When donating a stool, you must sign your jar.
The patient must prepare in advance for the matter of stool.To do this, you need to stop taking anthelmintic drugs, special tablets to normalize digestion and antibiotics for a week.Rectal suppositories and various enemas are prohibited before the collection procedure, both enemas are prohibited, and the consumption of fatty foods should be eliminated four days before the procedure.
This type of diagnosis is one of the cheapest, but the information content of the examination often does not reflect the true picture after a check.
Laying of eggs by helminths does not happen every night, so this test is carried out 2-4 times with an interval of 3-5 days.If several tests give negative results, then you can be 99% sure that there are no intestinal worms.
Do not itch
The basic and simplest examination for enterobiasis.Its meaning is to detect pinworm eggs, which are laid in large numbers in the anus at night.
A smear is carried out with a special spatula or an ordinary moistened cotton swab.An alternative option is to carefully apply the tape to the anus and perineum area, and then stick it to a specially prepared clean bottle.
Before taking tests for parasites, they must be sealed in a clean bag and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.When stored in the refrigerator, the material remains suitable for five hours.
It's an inexpensive test, like examining the stool for parasites, but it only detects one type of worm.
Types of blood tests
Each blood test reliably provides information about the presence of a certain pest in a person.In the process of harmful life activity, microorganisms release various toxins and our body responds with antibodies.
Often the parasites live in the liver and lungs and cannot be detected in any other way.
The following blood tests are distinguished:
- For the causative agent of trichinosis;
- enzyme immunoassay (Elisa);
- General;
- About Giardia;
- For the causative agent of Echinococci;
- About the causative agent of ascariasis;
- For opisthorchiasis causative agent;
- about the causative agent of tococariasis.
Each of these studies accurately determines the presence of harmful organisms and the extent of organ damage using antibodies.But which tests to choose for parasites, you should always see a doctor.
Even a general blood test accurately shows the presence of parasitic pinworms or roundworms.For example, increasing immunoglobulin antibodies using Elisa for parasites allows to diagnose any helminth in the human body with 90% accuracy.
The main thing is to contact an experienced specialist, which analysis you need to identify parasites.
Before donating blood for analysis, you must first stop taking all medications that may have a harmful effect on the study.It is advisable to consult your doctor about this.
The day before the test, be sure to exclude fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks and all kinds of sweets from the diet.The procedure itself takes place in the morning on an empty stomach.
Donate approximately 4 ml of blood from the cubital vein.The results of the study are usually ready after 2-3 days, but the identification of some parasitic organisms will take up to 9 days.
How to identify parasites using other methods
In rare cases, a specialist prescription to get an accurate picture of the development of the disease:
- chest x-ray- Shows calcifications in the lungs, shoulder girdle and liver, which means the presence of pork tapeworm;
- Computed tomography of the chest- will show cal calcifications, as well as areas of pneumosclerosis;
- Ultrasound- Allows you to see round cysts.
Prevention
Infection with harmful organisms always brings many health problems.
Therefore, as in the fight against other diseases, it is better to fight pests with prevention, which consists of simple actions:
- Wash your hands more often;
- eat proven food;
- subject meat and fish to comprehensive heat treatment;
- Maintaining intimate hygiene regularly.
However, following all the rules does not guarantee 100% safety.Therefore, you should not ignore the symptoms, but you should immediately contact a specialist and undergo the necessary studies.