Helminths are the oldest and most numerous inhabitants of our planet. It is known that they can live almost anywhere, and the human body is for many of them the optimal environment for existence. There, the parasite is not only protected to the maximum from external influences, but can also receive the necessary nutrients for its growth and development. Not all helminthiases have pronounced symptoms (like enterobiasis itself): often, a person does not even suspect that uninvited hosts live in his body. How can a parasitic invasion be detected?
Why are helminths dangerous to the human body?
Despite the fact that helminths can live asymptomatically in the human body for a long time, this does not at all mean that their vital activity is safe. All parasites in the process of growth, development and death secrete certain substances that contribute to the sensitization of the organism and the development of allergic reactions. A rash, itchy skin, and even anaphylactic shock can be the result of parasitic worms.
In addition, many helminths are localized in the gastrointestinal tract of the patient and disrupt the normal digestion and absorption of nutrients. The patient notices the appearance of weakness, fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness, which may be associated with the development of anemia. Brittle nails, hair, dry skin, and mucous membranes can be the result of iron deficiency, hypovitaminosis, and a lack of mineral components. In the context of chronic diarrhea, some patients develop dehydration and even increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Many helminths have a mechanical effect on the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Suction cups and hooks damage tissues, contributing to the formation of ulcerative and erosive changes. Cases of development of inflammation of the appendicular process in the context of helminthiasis are also known.
Who Should Get Tested?
In fact, everyone is at risk. Most people eat meat or fish, vegetables, fruits and berries, in addition to drinking unboiled water and swimming in reservoirs. Children are especially vulnerable in this regard: they have helminth eggs more often. Young children tend to put dirty toys and other objects in their mouths, hug stray and domestic dogs and cats, and violate personal hygiene rules. There are several types of analysis:
Preventive analysis
Its goal is the timely detection of parasitic worms, even in the absence of signs. It is recommended to undergo such an examination at least once a year.
Barrier analysis
They aim to prevent the spread of helminthiasis between people. When a child enters a preschool institution or when he goes to the swimming pool, it is imperative to present a certificate. Medical and nutrition workers must also undergo a similar test.
According to indications
If you suspect the development of helminthiasis (epidemiological history and specific complaints), the specialist prescribes a certain range of studies. This allows you to diagnose the disease in time and start treatment.
Helminth Egg Analysis
A fairly popular method of detecting helminth eggs is the study of feces. In this case, no additional preparation is required: you just have to collect the biological material in a special jar and take it to the laboratory. However, experts recommend not taking any antiparasitic medications before performing the test: this can affect its accuracy. It is also worth noting that the analysis must be submitted at least 3 times to exclude false positive and false negative results. Today, the study of feces for helminth eggs is gradually giving way to newer methods: the determination of antibodies against a certain parasite in the blood.
How to detect enterobiasis?
Enterobiasis is one of the most common helminth infections and is caused by roundworms. The disease is often found in schoolchildren and kindergarten children, but adults are also at risk of infection. The main symptom of the disease is intense itching in the perianal region. The diagnosis of enterobiasis is made by obtaining a smear or scraping the area near the anus. This is due to the fact that the female of the pathogen leaves the intestines to lay eggs on the surface of the skin folds. The procedure is carried out before going to the bathroom and washing in the morning, which allows you to get an accurate result.
Diagnosis of ascariasis
Roundworms are helminths, whose body length can reach up to 40 centimeters. They can travel throughout the body, affecting not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the lungs. Sputum and stool samples can be used as research material: they contain the genetic material of the parasite. Also, roundworm eggs are often found in the feces of the patient. However, the most effective diagnostic method is the detection of specific antibodies against the parasitic worm antigens in the patient's blood.
How to identify opisthorchiasis?
The feline flounder causes opisthorchiasis, which is characterized by predominant liver damage. That is why opisthorchus eggs can be found not only in feces, but also in duodenal juice. In recent years, the enzyme immunoassay has been widely used to detect antibodies against opisthorchia. Furthermore, helminths can be detected by the polymerase chain reaction, which is effective even with a small amount of biological material.
Identification of trichinosis
Trichinella is a helminth that predominantly affects the muscles, but can migrate to the central nervous system, causing irreversible changes. If the development of this helminthiasis was suspected, a muscle biopsy was previously performed, but in recent years it has been supplanted by serological methods. Detection of antibodies to Trichinella in the patient's blood is the reason for the diagnosis.