The history of helminthology dates back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as nematodes according to modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.
The term "helminth", now ubiquitous, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has accumulated.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All this variety of helminths is classified as lower worms of the scolecidal type (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- Flatworms are a class of tapeworms (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes);
- roundworms, which include a large class of nematodes;
- spiny-headed worms;
- annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two types (more than 250 species in total).Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the bodies of people or animals, called hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the "host";
- biohelminths,their vital activity takes place only in living organisms, and during the process of development such worms can change different "hosts".
There is also a group of so-called contagious helminths.These parasites in the human body can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person;this type includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common nematous helminth infestations are:
- ascariasis, caused by human roundworms;
- toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, develops due to whipworm infestation;
- enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- hookworm, their appearance is caused by the parasitism of the hookworm and the necator;
- strongyloidosis, its cause is intestinal acne;
- trichostrongylidosis caused by parasites of the same name;
- trichinosis caused by one of the four types of Trichinella;
- filariasis, their cause is filariae, also called filaments.
The following diseases are distinguished among cestodiasis:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - large tapeworm;
- teniarinhoz caused by bovine tapeworm;
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipilidiasis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcal tapeworm;
- alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.
Of trematodes, the following helminthiases are often diagnosed:
- fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, its cause is the parasitism of the feline trematode;
- clonorchiasis caused by the Chinese fluke;
- metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by the parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoan diseases caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoebae, malarial plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in the soil, in sandboxes, in railings, in common household objects, in toys, in swimming pool towels, in bathrooms and saunas, in ponds, on the fur, paws and saliva of pets.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the vast majority of cases, in the body of a healthy person, parasites die and are eliminated from the intestine.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive system and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
Their vital activity is accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- mineral and protein deficiency;
- the formation of an allergic response, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative influence of toxic waste products of helminths.
Furthermore, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) during their introduction into the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.Dwarf tapeworm causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine in its deeper layers.With echinococcosis and alveococcosis, as the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, leading to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels and from there into almost all organs.The localization of the main focus of the development of the parasite determines the main symptoms of the disease.The entry of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms, the treatment method depends on the type of parasite.Relatively “harmless” pinworms and roundworms in most cases cause damage to the digestive tract.And the entry into the body of protozoa (for example, amoebae) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathologies and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissue.
To remove some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, taking infusions with celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of serious and massive infestations it is not possible to use herbs, homeopathic drops and phytotherapeutic supplements.To destroy worms, long-term drug therapy is needed to help restore the basic functions of the digestive tract.
The development of helminthiasis can be prevented only by following certain preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- Orally through the hands, unwashed food, wool, feathers of pets and birds, on which there are eggs and larvae of parasites along with soil particles.This way you can get ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as a food based on non-thermally treated meat, milk, fish and seafood.This route of transmission is typical of trichinosis and taeniasis.
- Contact, for example, through the pores of the skin, schistosomes enter the body (they live in warm climates).
- Transmitted through the blood through insect bites (e.g. filariasis).
- Transplacentally from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Considering the reality of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone the visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since drugs to get rid of helminthiasis can be purchased without a prescription in every pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.The means to combat parasites are not the same in their therapeutic activity;in addition, different types of worms “require” individual selection of the dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you need to contact a specialist.The algorithm of its actions is as follows:
- examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, recent return from exotic countries requires special studies to identify the harmful organism);
- appointment of a general blood test, stool, coprogram;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- evaluation of the state of internal organs, presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- identification of possible concomitant pathologies that may constitute contraindications to the prescription of certain drugs.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminth infestations is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on the site of localization
Tissue damage caused by helminths is accompanied by numerous pinpoint hemorrhages.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and reduced performance.Due to disruption of metabolic processes and absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails and hair worsens.A person quickly loses weight and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
In addition, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts accordingly to their appearance, so if parasites are present in the human body, symptoms of an allergic reaction will certainly be present.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which manifests itself in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion into the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of serious disorders in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain:
- shortness of breath;
- change in heart rate;
- sensation of lack of air;
- feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of an inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by an increase in body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiases are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body when certain worms invade the skin may look like these:
- ulcerations in areas of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy skin rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during helminth migration;
- the formation of swellings that resemble the appearance of wen;
- the appearance of purulent acne.
The symptoms of parasites entering the eye depend on several factors.If the helminth “lives” under the skin of the eyelid, its movements can be felt or even seen.However, when the worms travel deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment and limited visibility.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can result in irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms appear mainly in the digestive system.
The patient usually complains:
- pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal area;
- diarrhea, which may be replaced by constipation, especially in the initial stages of the infection;
- mixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the occurrence of painful spasms simultaneously with the need to defecate;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- flatulence, bloating.
As a result of rupture of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a roundworm ball can cause an intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disorders throughout the body.Moreover, such an invasion sometimes does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness occur, despite compliance with the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance to physical activity.
In addition, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen increases, and the body temperature often rises.
Doctors stress that the discovery of a foreign “creature” in the body should not be a cause for panic.Modern drugs allow you to quickly and without side effects cleanse all organs from helminths and completely restore their functioning.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method of fighting worms has been created - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, each cell of our body is not immobile in one place, but is in a constant vibration mode, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from that of our body tissues.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send out waves of a certain length, which do not affect the functioning of human cells, but destroy the bodies of parasites.
The benefits of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and will not cause complications.
There are actually not many drugs used to eliminate helminths and protozoa.The dosage of drugs, the regimen and duration of their use are selected by the doctor based on the patient's age, the severity of the invasion and the presence of concomitant pathologies.
For relatively mild helminth infestations, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily prepared at home, and the components are sold in any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestines, healers recommend:
- Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as possible.
- Buy regular cloves, which are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second - 1 g, and on the third to ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a spoonful of chopped and dried nettle roots into a glass of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave to cool completely and take 3 tablespoons.the.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a spoonful 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.the.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.the.cloves, grind and take at a rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix the grated coconut meat and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method of preventing the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is strict compliance with hygiene rules, known to everyone from early childhood.This means washing your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom and returning from a walk.Careful heat treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish and cleaning of fresh fruits and vegetables from contaminants is also necessary.
But human parasites appear at every step, so it is almost impossible to avoid meeting them.To prevent serious complications due to invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor, undergo the prescribed tests and complete the entire course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.