There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to the health of an adult. Helminthiasis develops as a result of infection with parasitic worms. Vital activity of worms in internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infection, but the infection rate is higher in children.
Most types of worms are found inside the body, only there they lay their eggs and die after a certain period of time.
Forms of parasitic worms and characteristics of their development
Depending on the method of distribution, the main groups of parasites are distinguished:
- biological worms. In the process of going through the full development cycle, several owners are replaced. These include tapeworms, nematodes, echinococci.
- Geohelminths. It can spread without intermediate hosts, but through the soil. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Main representatives: roundworms, whipworms, nekators.
- Helminths are transmitted by contact with an infected person. This group includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
More than 150 species of helminths are known to have been registered in humans.
Parasites also differ in their location in the body:
- tissues affect internal organs and the tissues that make up their composition;
- cavities live in the lumen of the intestine, absorbing the nutrients needed by a person.
According to their appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:
- round worms;
- flatworms;
- flukes.
Methods of helminth infection
In most cases, parasites enter the host organism in the following ways:
- The larvae or eggs of the worms, along with feces, end up on the ground or in water, infecting a person when he eats unwashed food or raw liquid. During the summer holidays, the probability of invasion through water bodies increases.
- Contact with a sick person or shared objects. This method of distribution is typical for pinworms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes severe itching, due to which the eggs remain on the hands and underwear. After that, they are given to a healthy person.
- Tapeworm infection occurs when raw and insufficiently processed meat is eaten. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, which include cattle and pigs.
- Insects can carry worm eggs and larvae on their limbs, increasing the area of potential infestation.
The life cycle of the vast majority of parasites consists in the release of a huge number (millions) of eggs, which, penetrating the human body, turn into larvae after a certain time.
The development of parasites in the human body can cause acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms and lasts up to two months. Chronic invasion can be seen throughout a person's life if left untreated.
The main types of helminths that parasitize humans
Each form of microorganism is characterized by a lesion of a certain organ and corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are united by the method of obtaining nutrients - at the expense of the host organism. At the same time, the person's metabolism is disturbed, anemia and other types of diseases develop.
There are different forms of helminths:
- Roundworms are large white nematodes up to 20 cm long. Adults live in the small intestine, and larvae can travel through the circulatory system to the lungs. They belong to geohelminths, the infection occurs when unwashed vegetables, fruits and water are consumed. Parasite eggs also accumulate on the sand.
- Pinworms are small worms that can be seen with the naked eye after a bowel movement. Distribution zone - the lower part of the small intestine. Under the influence of parasites, enterobiosis occurs. The cause of infection is contact with an unhealthy person. It is very common in children under 14 years of age.
- Tapeworms. These include beef and pork tapeworm, broad tapeworm. They are characterized by the ability to rapidly increase the population, thanks to hermaphroditism. Their body consists of many parts, which contain the reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases occur. Localized in the small intestine, they damage the epithelial lining. They accumulate in the intestinal lumen and can cause its obstruction. Infection occurs when undercooked beef, pork or fish is eaten.
- Hairyhead - a round worm that looks like a hair with a thickened back. Due to its unique structure, it penetrates blood vessels and feeds on tissue fluid. Lack of treatment leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and cancer. The source of the invasion is unwashed products.
The insidiousness of helminthiasis lies in the fact that it successfully disguises itself as other diseases.
The development of the parasite from an egg to a sexually mature individual occurs within three weeks. During this period, symptoms may be absent or manifest in a mild form. If it is not treated, intensive reproduction of worms will lead to the fact that the disease becomes chronic.
Signs of disease with helminth infestation
The main symptoms of worm infection are manifested in the form of:
- weakness and fatigue;
- pain in the intestines;
- constipation alternating with diarrhea;
- swelling of the face or all over the body;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes, coughing and choking;
- itchy skin rashes;
- joint pain.
The topic of parasites is unpleasant and scary, so many myths about these harmful organisms have appeared.
The consequences of worm infestation are often disguised as other diseases. The difference between the pathologies lies in the specific signs of disturbances in the functioning of the body. Depending on the type of helminth, there may be:
- increased salivation, slight increase in temperature, urticaria with ascariasis;
- frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbance, excruciating pain in the navel when infected with pinworms;
- nausea, vomiting, pale skin, hypotension in tapeworms;
- yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pains all over the body in case of fluke invasion.
It is important to detect worms in time with the help of tests and apply effective treatment.
Symptoms of helminthiasis directly depend on the type of parasite, its localization in the body and the intensity of the infection.
Methods of material sampling for the detection of intestinal parasites
The main analysis that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of worms is the study of feces. The material is submitted to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of stool collection. The use of laxatives and penetration of urine on the material is unacceptable. The container with the stool should be stored in the refrigerator at 4-5 degrees until it is sent to the laboratory.
In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:
- immunological test;
- blood and urine analysis;
- vaginal scraping in women and girls;
- examination of sputum in the presence of cough;
- Ultrasound and endoscopy;
- bile analysis.
ELISA blood test is an effective way to detect helminths in the body.
A person can be infected with one type of helminth or several. As a rule, the presence of individual individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the population of worms leads to severe damage to internal organs, which is the cause of poor health. Symptoms of the disease worsen at night, which additionally affects the parasite's resistance.
Methods of treatment of helminthic invasions
Specialized drugs act on different groups of helminths. The use of drugs is possible both in case of infection and for prevention. Prescribe medicines only after determining the type of worm that has affected the body.
Adult roundworms and pinworms are destroyed with drugs containing mebendazole, which blocks the worm's ability to feed and reproduce.
Modern tablets against worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of the parasite to the drugs.
Vlasoglav is affected by preparations containing mebendazole and albendazole. Preparations containing iron are necessary to eliminate the consequences of rectal prolapse.
The course of treatment is strictly prescribed by the attending physician. Self-administration of drugs is unacceptable due to various contraindications.
Use of traditional medicine
The most common remedy for worms is pumpkin seeds. They are consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, after grinding and adding honey. The recommended dose is about 300 grams per hour. After taking, it is necessary to cleanse the stomach with laxatives.
Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:
- tansy
- gentian yellow;
- sand immortelle;
- garlic.
Folk remedies for worms in adults are recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
Wormwood decoction is recommended for use as an enema. It is possible to use fresh grass juice mixed with alcohol. Carrot and its juice also destroy parasites.
Preventive measures against earthworms and their effectiveness
Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any type of parasite infection. The concept and rules of personal hygiene should be formed in children from an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the likelihood of disease.
Purified or boiled water should be available 24 hours a day to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquid. Vegetables and fruits are best washed with boiling water.
Care should be taken when working with animals. Pets must be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Don't forget routine vaccinations for dogs and cats.
Vaccinations will reduce the risk of losing a family member to one of the common diseases.
It is possible to use prophylactic drugs prescribed by a doctor. Worm infection can develop into dangerous diseases, so it is important to reduce the risk of worms entering the human body.