As you know, parasites are considered the most resistant organisms to the external environment. To date, about 250 species are recognized as helminths capable of infecting humans. All of them pose a threat to health and, in severe cases, to the life of the infected. Knowledge of the types of helminths in humans and their characteristics greatly facilitates treatment and helps to draw up an effective preventive plan.
What kind of worms do humans have?
It takes a long time to become fully familiar with the types of worms. The fact is that until now scientists are unable to provide the most detailed information on the classification of parasites. This is due to a greater extent to the fact that a certain area is characterized by the presence of specific helminthic invasions. In this regard, it is almost impossible to obtain data on all types of human helminths existing on Earth.
Therefore, worms, most often diagnosed in the southern zone, are practically not found in the population of the northern geographical regions. For the temperate climate zone and mid-latitudes, about 20 varieties of worms are recognized as the most common. They can be conditionally divided into 3 main categories:
- Round parasitic worms (nematodes).
- Helminth tape (cestodes).
- Flat worms (flukes).
1. Round and flat helminths
Each of the above groups includes a huge variety of parasitic organisms that require a brief description. In children and adults, it is very often necessary to treat such representatives of worms belonging to the class of flukes:
- Chinese fluke;
- cat fluke;
- hepatic fluke.
Among nematodes, there are 7 of the most famous and common parasitic species that populate the body of any age. The nematodes that are transmitted by all possible means are:
- pinworms;
- nematodes;
- intestinal acne;
- whipworm;
- Trichinella;
- trichostrongylides;
- hookworms.
2. Invasions of tapeworms
Tapeworms (or tapeworms) are parasitic worms that pose the greatest threat to the body. Diagnosis of such helminth infestations occurs much less frequently than round parasite infections in children and adults, however, infection with the following types of worms is fraught with the most serious consequences:
- bullish tapeworm;
- dwarf tapeworm;
- pork tapeworm;
- wide ribbon;
- echinococcus;
- rat tapeworm.
One of the rarest types of helminth invasions is acanthcephalus. These include the giant crest and the beaded crest. Such worms are able to enter the body in the rarest cases, for example, when eating an insect or its larva infected with parasites.
Why are worms dangerous to humans?
In order to properly assess the degree of threat to the patient's health in the event of the settlement of helminths, it is first necessary to determine to which types of worms they belong. Treatment and its duration are determined according to the type of worms. The main damage resulting from the presence of parasites in the body is felt by the intestine: most of all helminths are localized in this organ. All the nutrients that should be absorbed and benefit a person are selected by worms.
Meanwhile, other types of worms do not just settle in the intestine and "steal" all the precious trace elements needed by humans. They actively multiply and affect other vital human organs and systems. In addition to the heart muscle, liver and lungs, worms can cause enormous damage to the brain and blood vessels. Worms can even infect the eyes.
Main ways of worm infection
You can protect yourself and loved ones from the onset of the disease if you know how helminths of a particular species enter the body. This is the only way to timely take all necessary measures and minimize the risk of infection. It is known on the main transmission routes that:
- Infection occurs through soil and water. When walking on the ground with bare feet, the risk of laying eggs inside increases several times. An unverified source of drinking water and in common cases even water from a common water supply can contain worm larvae.
- Helminth eggs enter the body along with animal products. The result of helminthic invasions is insufficient or poor-quality processing of meat, fish, seafood, eggs. People who prefer exotic Asian cuisine are at risk of contracting worms. He, the sushi, the sashimi are based on raw fish and meat.
- Some types of parasites can settle in the intestine, having entered it along with unwashed fruits and vegetables. Refusal of animal products does not solve the problem of the likelihood of developing helminthiasis. Worm eggs, as mentioned, can be found in the soil. It is recommended to pour boiling water over the fruits before use.
- Worms are transmitted to humans and animals. Pets don't often become a source of infection for their owners. However, worms can be found both inside the animal and on its fur. From cats and dogs, parasite eggs fall into the ground, spreading further with melt water.
Transmission of parasites from sick people
Worms can also move from one infected person to another. There are several ways of transmission of helminthic invasions:
- through unwashed hands (for example, when shaking hands, they hug);
- when using common tools;
- when wearing someone else's underwear;
- group application of personal hygiene products by several people.
Pinworm eggs most often pass from person to person, often falling under the nails, remaining there for a long time. The prevalence of this type of worms in children is explained by the neglect of the elementary rules of cleaning. A child can simply stick his hands in his mouth or bite his nails, so pinworms have no difficulty penetrating a new human body. The task of parents at this stage is to timely recognize the signs of helminthiasis and prevent the development of helminthic invasions in their child, immediately starting to cure the disease.
Symptoms of the acute phase of helminthiasis
It is not easy to detect the first signs of parasitic infection in an adult or a child. Diagnosing the presence of worms is also complicated by the fact that the incubation period in some species can last up to one and a half years.
As a rule, the first symptoms of worm infestation appear after various periods. In addition, the course of helminthiasis can be conditionally divided into 2 stages:
- acute phase (lasts on average no more than two months after the incubation period);
- chronic (characterized by the development of sexually mature parasites and can last for decades).
In the acute phase of the invasion, the main symptom, clearly expressed, can be called an allergic reaction. As a result of the production of antibodies to the migration of parasitic larvae, it is necessary to warn about pathological manifestations on the skin. An indicator of infection with any type of worm in humans are the following symptoms:
- hyperemia of the skin;
- burning and itching sensation;
- small rashes on the surface of the epidermis or mucous membranes;
- mild enlargement of the lymph nodes;
- local swelling;
- pain in the sternum (up to attacks of suffocation);
- vomiting and persistent nausea;
- diarrhea or constipation.
In addition, dangerous pathologies such as pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis can become complications of the appearance of other creatures in the body.
A reliable confirmation of the presence of helminths in internal organs is the index of eosinophils in the clinical blood test. The increase in the value of these particles is caused by dysproteinemia, a violation of the normal numerical proportion between the protein fractions.
Types of symptoms in the chronic form of the disease
The signs of chronic helminthiasis in humans are predetermined by the location of the colonization of the parasites. Put simply: the manifestations of the disease will depend on which organ will become the main habitat for a particular type of worm.
In particular, the most common parasitism in the intestine of nematodes can also manifest itself without the slightest symptom. If larger species are affected by worms, the signs of the disease will become evident as soon as the worms reach puberty. Dyspeptic disorders in an adult and a child, pain syndrome and neurotic manifestations are their features. Ascariasis is often characterized by the development of intestinal obstruction and pancreatitis and increases the risk of oncological diseases.
Medicines against parasites
It is necessary to undergo treatment of helminthiasis as soon as possible. An effective therapy will be if, before starting it, you know exactly what type of parasite has settled in the body. Today, there are many anthelmintic drugs.
These are different types of drugs that can target a specific type of worm. The strongest worm drugs are broad-spectrum medicines and are excellent for treating combined helminthiasis. Both are considered toxic, have many side effects and contraindications. The use of such drugs should be carried out with extreme caution only after a medical recommendation.
Most types of worms in an adult need to be treated for a long time and persistently. Often parasitologists prescribe the simultaneous administration of several anthelmintic drugs.
The regimen and dosage of a specific drug should only be worked out by a specialist. This will help avoid allergies and severe side effects. For some types of helminth infection, the treatment must be repeated. This is often due to the fact that during the first therapy most of the adult worms were neutralized, but some forms of helminth larvae and eggs still remain in the patient's body. If not treated again, the worms will come back again.
Basic preventive measures
Drug therapy is undoubtedly an important part of the process of eliminating and, in some cases, preventing parasites. However, to deal with invasive worms, the simplest rules for preventing worms must be followed. The treatment will not work if you ignore the following rules:
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before eating food.
- If you cannot wash your hands with soap, it is advisable to use antibacterial wet wipes.
- Any food must be thoroughly rinsed before cooking.
- It is important to expose meat and fish to prolonged exposure to heat.
- Use only water from reputable sources for drinking.
- At least once a year, it is extremely important to be tested for worms.