Human life activities are closely related to various microorganisms, which not only inhabit the external environment, but also live directly inside it.
According to some studies, we each have about $100 trillion.Various single-celled organisms.
In medicine, all organisms that survive through a host are classified as parasites, with fungi, bacteria, and viruses being distinguished separately.
Pests in the human body can be divided into the following categories:
- Protozoa - amoeba, plasmodium, pneumocystis, lamblia, trypanosomatids, etc.;
- Worms – parasitic worms;
- Pathogenic microorganisms;
- Various arthropods - mites, insects, etc.
Their original mission was believed to be a secretive existence.This is why many of them are difficult to detect right away.Sometimes, illnesses caused by parasitic organisms can last for years without noticeable symptoms or complications.
According to some studies, approximately 85% of humans are infected with worms, but many people don’t even know it.
Therefore, every adult needs to be tested for parasites once a year.
A range of signs and symptoms caused by parasites
First of all, the symptoms of parasites in the human body are:
- Any disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract may indicate worms.
- Due to the lack of required trace elements sucked out by pests, they are susceptible to infectious diseases and general fatigue.
- Various allergic manifestations - runny nose, rash, cough caused by unreasonable factors (the cause is often called parasitic waste).
- Losing weight depends on adequate nutrition.
- Dull skin due to deficiencies or deficiencies in essential vitamins absorbed by parasites.
- Anal itching (a symptom of pinworm disease).
- Problems with cracked nails and heels.
Individual cases do not always mean the presence of harmful organisms in a person's body, but if several signs combine, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible and conduct appropriate studies for the dysfunction.
Tests to detect parasites in adults
It is not possible to capture all parasites with one specific and inexpensive survey method.Therefore, comprehensive analyzes of parasites are often performed.
Additionally, the following can be diagnosed: urine, feces, sputum, blood, and areas of body tissue.
Let's consider the types of research used in modern medicine.
Histology Collaboration Program
Fecal parasite testing involves using a microscope to examine a patient's stool for the presence of larvae, eggs, or fragments of mature parasites.
Many types of worms can be identified using this method, but it shows greatest effectiveness when detecting pests in the intestines.
Can diagnose ascariasis, hookworm, whipworm, pinworm, etc.
For detailed analysis of stool to identify parasites, stool is collected in jars provided at the hospital or purchased at the pharmacy.The container is filled to one-third of the capacity, taking into account that foreign substances (blood, urine) should not enter it.
Collection deadline is 11am.If the stool is stored in the refrigerator, it can be examined within 8 hours.But in the best case scenario, the collected material must be transferred to the laboratory within an hour.When donating poop, you will need to sign the can.
Before donating feces, patients need to be prepared in advance.To do this, you need to stop taking deworming drugs, special tablets to normalize digestion and antibiotics for a week.It should be remembered that before the collection procedure, the use of rectal suppositories and various enemas is prohibited, and fatty foods should be avoided for four days before the procedure.
This type of diagnosis is the cheapest, but the information content of the examination often does not reflect the true situation after a single examination.
Worms do not lay eggs every night, so this test is performed 2-4 times, 3-5 days apart.If multiple tests come back negative, you can be 99% sure that there are no parasites in your gut.
Gua Sha
The main and simplest test for pinworms.Its significance is to detect pinworm eggs, which are produced in large numbers in the anus at night.
Use a special spatula or an ordinary wet cotton swab to make the smear.Another option is to carefully apply tape to the anal and perineal areas and then apply it to specially prepared clean glass.
Before being tested for parasites, they must be sealed in a clean bag and shipped to the laboratory as soon as possible.When stored in the refrigerator, the material remains in good condition for five hours.
Scratching, like checking your stool for parasites, is an inexpensive test, but it can only detect one type of parasite.
Types of blood tests
Each type of blood test reliably tells whether a specific pest is present in a person's body.Microorganisms release various toxins during their harmful life activities, and our bodies produce antibodies in response.
The parasite usually lives in the liver and lungs and cannot be detected by any other means.
The following blood tests are distinguished:
- The causative agent of trichinellosis;
- Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA);
- general;
- About Giardia;
- It is the causative agent of Echinococcus tapeworm;
- Regarding the causative agents of ascariasis;
- For the causative agent of opioditis;
- About the causative agent of toxocariasis.
These studies all use antibodies to accurately determine the presence of harmful organisms and the extent of organ damage.But to choose which parasite tests you need, you always need to see your doctor.
Even a general blood test can accurately indicate whether parasitic pinworms or roundworms are present.For example, using ELISA to detect increased numbers of immunoglobulin antibodies to parasites can diagnose any type of helminth in humans with 90% accuracy.
The most important thing is to contact an experienced specialist who will tell you what analysis is needed to identify the parasite.
Before donating blood for analysis, you must first stop taking all medications that may adversely affect the study.It is recommended to consult your doctor.
The day before the test, be sure to eliminate fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and various sweets from your diet.The surgery itself is performed in the morning on an empty stomach.
Donate approximately 4 ml of blood from the cubital vein.Study results are usually available in 2-3 days, but identification of some parasites can take up to 9 days.
How to identify parasites using other methods
In rare cases, in order to accurately understand the development of the disease, specialists prescribe:
- Chest X-ray- Calcification in the lungs, shoulder girdle and liver indicates the presence of the pork tapeworm;
- Chest computed tomography— Calcification and areas of lung hardening will be shown;
- ultrasound- Allows you to see round cysts.
prevention
Infection by pests always brings many health problems.
Therefore, as with other diseases, it is best to fight pests through prevention, which includes simple actions:
- wash hands more often;
- Eat proven foods;
- Thorough heat treatment of meat and fish;
- Keep your private parts clean regularly.
But even following all the rules doesn’t guarantee 100% safety.That is why you should not ignore symptoms but contact a specialist immediately and conduct the necessary research.