There are about 250 types of worms that pose a threat to the health of an adult. As a result of infection with parasitic worms, the disease helminthiasis develops. The vital activity of worms in the internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infections, but a higher infection rate in children.
Most types of worms are found inside the body, only there they lay eggs and die after a certain period of time.
Forms of parasitic worms and features 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 entire development cycle, several owners are replaced. These include tapeworms, roundworms, echinococci.
- Geohelminths. Able to spread without intermediate hosts, but through the ground. A person becomes infected by eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. The main representatives: roundworms, whipworms, necators.
- Helminths transmitted by contact with an infected person. This group includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
More than 150 species of helminths recorded in humans are known.
Parasites also differ in their location in the body:
- the tissue affects the internal organs and tissues that make up their composition;
- the cavity lives in the intestinal lumen, absorbing the nutrients a person needs.
In appearance, helminths are divided into 3 groups:
- nematodes;
- Flat worms;
- flounder.
Methods of infection with helminths
In most cases, parasites enter the host organism in the following ways:
- Larvae or worm eggs, along with feces, end up in the soil or water, infecting a person when they eat unwashed foods or raw liquids. During the summer holidays, the likelihood of invasion through water bodies increases.
- By contact with a sick person or shared objects. This mode of distribution is typical of pinworms. At night, the female leaves the anus and lays eggs. This process causes severe itching, as a result of which eggs remain on the hands and underwear. Next, they treat themselves to a healthy person.
- Tapeworm infection occurs when eating raw and insufficiently processed meat. 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, entering the human body, after a certain time turn into larvae.
The development of the parasite in the human body can cause acute and chronic forms of the disease. The acute form is characterized by pronounced symptoms and persists for up to two months. Chronic invasion can be observed throughout a person's life if left untreated.
The main types of helminths that parasitize humans
Each form of a microorganism is characterized by a lesion of a particular organ and the corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are united by the method of obtaining the nutrients, at the expense of the host organism. At the same time, a person's metabolism is disturbed, anemia and other types of diseases develop.
There are several forms of helminths:
- Nematodes are large white roundworms up to 20 cm long. Adults live in the small intestine and the larvae can move through the circulatory system to the lungs. Belonging to geohelminths, 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 the parasite, enterobiasis is formed. The cause of the infection is contact with a sick person. It is very common in children under the age of 14.
- Ribbon helminths. These include bovine and porcine tapeworms, broad tapeworm. They are distinguished by the ability to increase the population at a rapid pace, thanks to hermaphroditism. Their body is made up of many parts, containing a reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases are formed. Localized in the small intestine, it damages the mucous membrane of the epithelium. It accumulates in the lumen of the intestine and can cause it to become blocked. Infection occurs when you eat undercooked beef, pork, or fish.
- Vlasoglav - a round worm that looks like a hair with a thickened back. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, it penetrates the 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 masks itself from 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 left untreated, the 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 on the face or throughout the body;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes, coughing and choking;
- itchy skin rashes;
- joint pain.
The topic of parasites is unpleasant and frightening, so many myths have arisen about these harmful organisms.
The consequences of worm infestation are often masked by 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 disturbances, nagging pain in the navel when infected with pinworms;
- nausea, vomiting, pallor of the skin, hypotension with tapeworms;
- yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pains all over the body in case of invasion of flukes.
It is important to detect worms in a timely manner with the help of tests and apply effective treatment.
Symptoms of helminthiases directly depend on the type of parasite, its localization in the body and the intensity of the infection.
Methods of sampling material 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 delivered to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of stool collection. The use of laxatives and the entry of urine on the material is unacceptable. The container of feces should be stored in the refrigerator at 4-5 degrees until sent to the laboratory.
In addition, the following tests may be prescribed:
- immunological test;
- blood and urine analysis;
- scraping from the vagina in women and girls;
- sputum examination 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 individuals in the body is characterized by the absence of symptoms. An increase in the worm population leads to severe damage to internal organs, which causes poor health. Symptoms of the disease worsen at night, which further affects resistance to the parasite.
Methods of treatment for helminthic invasions
Specialized drugs affect different groups of helminths. The use of drugs is possible both in case of infection and for prevention. Prescribe drugs only after identifying 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 multiply.
Modern tablets from worms are divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of parasites to medicines.
Vlasoglav is affected by preparations containing mebendazole and albendazole. Iron-containing preparations are needed to eliminate the consequences of rectal prolapse.
The course of treatment is prescribed strictly by the attending physician. Self-administration of medicines is unacceptable due to various contraindications.
The use of traditional medicine
The most common remedy for worms is pumpkin seeds. They are eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, after grinding and adding honey. The recommended dose is around 300 grams per hour. After taking it, it is necessary to clear the stomach with laxatives.
Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:
- tansy;
- gentian yellow;
- sandy immortelle;
- garlic.
Folk remedies for worms in adults are recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
It is recommended to use a decoction of wormwood as an enema. You can use fresh grass juice mixed with alcohol. Carrots and its juice also destroy parasites.
Preventive measures against worms and their effectiveness
Clean hands are the most effective way to protect children and adults from any type of parasitic infestation. 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 the disease.
Purified or boiled water should be available around the clock to eliminate the possibility of drinking contaminated liquids. Vegetables and fruits are best washed with boiling water.
Care must be taken when it comes to animals. Pets need to be treated for various parasites, both externally and internally. Don't forget routine dog and cat vaccinations.
Vaccinations will minimize 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 turn into dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of worm infiltration into the human body.