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. The vital activity of worms in the internal organs can cause severe allergies, hypovitaminosis, and pancreatitis. All age groups of the population are susceptible to infection, but the infection rate is higher in children.
Most worms are found in the body, only there they lay eggs and die after a certain 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. Several owners change throughout the entire development cycle. These include tapeworms, nematodes, and echinococcus.
- Geohelminths. It can spread through soil without intermediate hosts. People become infected by eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. The main representatives: roundworm, whipworm, necators.
- Helminths spread through contact with an infected person. This group includes roundworms and dwarf tapeworms.
More than 150 species of worms are known to be registered in humans.
Parasites also differ in their location in the body:
- tissues affect the internal organs and tissues that make up their composition;
- cavities live in the lumen of the intestine and absorb the nutrients needed by humans.
According to their appearance, helminths can be divided into 3 groups:
- roundworms;
- flatworms;
- they are unfortunate.
Methods of infection with helminths
In most cases, parasites enter the host in the following ways:
- Worm larvae or eggs are released into the soil or water with feces and infect humans when they eat unwashed food or raw liquids. During the summer holidays, the probability of invasion through water bodies increases.
- Through contact with a sick person or common 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 the eggs remain on the hands and underwear. After that, they worship a healthy person.
- Tapeworm infection occurs when raw and improperly processed meat is consumed. Tapeworms of this species infect the muscle tissue of intermediate hosts, including cattle and pigs.
- Insects can carry eggs and worm larvae on their limbs, increasing the area of potential infection.
The life cycle of the vast majority of parasites consists of the release of a huge number (millions) of eggs, which penetrate the human body and turn into larvae after a certain time.
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 lasts up to two months. Chronic invasion can be seen throughout life if left untreated.
Main types of helminths parasitizing humans
All forms of microorganisms are characterized by changes in a certain organ and corresponding symptoms. However, all parasites are united by the method of obtaining nutrients - at the expense of the host. 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, infection occurs when eating unwashed vegetables, fruits and water. 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. As a result of the parasite, enterobiasis develops. The cause of infection is contact with an unhealthy person. Very common in children under 14 years of age.
- Tape helminths. This includes the cattle and pig tapeworm, the broad tapeworm. They are distinguished by the ability to rapidly increase the population thanks to hermaphroditism. Their bodies are made up of many parts that contain the reproductive system and thousands of eggs. Depending on the type of parasite, different diseases develop. It is localized in the small intestine and damages the mucous membrane of the epithelium. It accumulates in the lumen of the intestine and can cause its obstruction. Infection occurs when undercooked beef, pork or fish is eaten.
- 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 disguises itself as other diseases.
The development of the parasite from an egg to a sexually mature individual takes place within three weeks. During this period, symptoms may be absent or manifest in a mild form. If not treated, the intensive reproduction of worms leads to the disease becoming chronic.
Signs of disease associated with helminth infection
The main symptoms of worm infection are manifested in the following form:
- weakness and fatigue;
- pain in the intestines;
- constipation alternating with diarrhea;
- swelling of the face or whole body;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes, cough and suffocation;
- skin rashes that cause itching;
- pain in the joints.
The topic of parasites is unpleasant and scary, which is why many myths have been created about these harmful organisms.
The consequences of worm infection 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, hives, with ascariasis;
- frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbance, nagging pain in the navel if infected with fungus;
- nausea, vomiting, pallor of the skin, hypotension associated with tapeworms;
- yellowing of the sclera, dizziness, heaviness in the liver, pains all over the body in case of fluke invasion.
It is important to detect worms in time using tests and to apply effective treatment.
The symptoms of helminthiasis depend directly on the type of parasite, its localization in the body and the intensity of the infection.
Material sampling methods for the detection of intestinal parasites
The main analysis that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of worms is the examination of feces. The material is handed over to the laboratory in a sterile container on the day of stool collection. The use of laxatives and the use of urine on the material are unacceptable. The stool container must be stored in a 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;
- scraping from the vagina in women and girls;
- examination of sputum in the presence of cough;
- Ultrasound and endoscopy;
- bile analysis.
The ELISA blood test is an effective way to detect helminths in the body.
A person can be infected with one or more types of helminths. In general, the presence of 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. The symptoms of the disease worsen at night, which also affects resistance to parasites.
Treatment methods of helminthic invasion
Special drugs affect different groups of helminths. The use of medicines is possible both in case of infection and for prevention. Only prescribe medications after identifying the type of worm that has invaded the body.
Adult roundworms and pinworms are killed with drugs containing mebendazole, which inhibits the worm's ability to feed and reproduce.
Modern worm pills can be divided into three groups, depending on the sensitivity of the parasites to the drugs.
Vlasoglav is affected by preparations containing mebendazole and albendazole. Iron-containing preparations are needed to eliminate the consequences of rectal prolapse.
The treatment is strictly prescribed by the attending physician. Due to various contraindications, self-administration of drugs is unacceptable.
Application of traditional medicine
The most common remedy for worms is pumpkin seeds. It is 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, the stomach should be cleaned with laxatives.
Various decoctions and infusions have proven their effectiveness:
- tansy;
- gentian yellow;
- immortelle sandy;
- garlic.
The folk remedy for worms is recommended for preventive and therapeutic purposes in adults.
Wormwood decoction is recommended to be used as an enema. It is possible to use fresh grass juice mixed with alcohol. Carrots and their juice also kill 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 infection. The concept and rules of personal hygiene must be formed in children at an early age. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the likelihood of disease.
Purified or boiled water should be available around the clock to avoid consumption of contaminated liquid. It is best to wash vegetables and fruits with boiling water.
Care must be taken when dealing with animals. Pets should be treated externally and internally against various parasites. Don't forget the routine vaccination of dogs and cats.
Vaccinations minimize the risk of losing a family member to a common disease.
It is possible to use prophylactic drugs prescribed by a doctor. Infection caused by worms can develop into dangerous diseases, so it is important to minimize the risk of worms entering the human body.