Signs, types and diagnostic methods of parasites

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4. 5 billion people are infected with one type of parasite or another. In most cases like this, it's not clear whether a "reconciliation" occurred. Symptoms of parasites are not always obvious; sometimes they are similar to symptoms of other diseases and can be distinguished by different testing methods.

Types of parasites and their location in the body

Many types of parasites have been discovered. Some of them are common in your body.

Pinworm

Common in young children and teenagers. They live in the large intestine. Their length does not exceed 1-1. 5 cm. They are unique in that they live in the folds of the large intestine and lay their eggs in underwear and folds of skin. Eggs mature within 6 hours. In this case, the child will experience severe itching, grind his or her teeth while sleeping, eat very little, and become tired quickly. The parasite can enter a child's body through other children's dirty hands, toys, toilet seats, dishes and underwear.

Toxoplasma gondii

Carriers of this parasite are domestic animals - cats and dogs. Toxocara eggs can reach up to 30 centimeters in the body and can survive in soil and sand for a long time. They are obtained from there by human hands and can also be glued to clothes and shoes. After that, they enter the body and spread through blood vessels and internal organs, but are not carried away.

roundworms

This pathogenic microorganism is the most common, found in 100 million people every year. Spread through food, soil, water, dirty hands. Female parasites can grow up to 40 centimeters in length and lay up to 200, 000 eggs per day. They eventually make their way into the soil, where they can persist for many years. If parasites invade through food, they can penetrate the intestines, spread through the bloodstream through capillaries, enter the liver, brain, lungs, eyes, and continue to multiply. Roundworms feed on red blood cells and nutrients in human food. As a result, a person often suffers from various types of anemia, digestive system disorders, and allergic reactions. When roundworms invade the respiratory tract and enter deeper layers of the skin and lungs, conditions such as bronchial asthma, neurodermatitis, arthritis, convulsions, fever and other symptoms similar to those of bronchitis or pneumonia can occur. If the lungs are affected by roundworms, the following may occur: rupture of pulmonary blood vessels, hemoptysis and other unpleasant symptoms reminiscent of tuberculosis.The sites damaged by parasites are usually the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, and kidneys, causing the normal functions of these organs to be disrupted. In particularly difficult cases, the following may occur: intestinal obstruction, purulent process.

tapeworm

The length of this parasite can reach 10 m. In the patient's body, it is in a twisted state. Its nutrition comes from nutrients consumed by humans. As a result, a person may experience physical fatigue, iron deficiency anemia, nausea, morning sickness, abdominal pain, weakness, and drowsiness. Infection with this parasite most commonly occurs through raw fish.

Bovine (Pork) Tapeworm

Tapeworm infection occurs through raw or undercooked meat products. The length of this parasite can reach 2 to 7 meters. It can survive in the human body for up to 20 years. The main danger of this parasite is that it can infect the brain and eyes.

Echinococcus

Infection with this parasite occurs through water from infected animals, soil-contaminated fruits or berries. The larvae of the parasite penetrate the body and spread throughout the blood, affecting various internal organs: the kidneys, liver, brain, and lymphatic and skeletal systems. Additionally, Echinococcus larvae can degenerate into cysts that can grow large enough to compress nearby internal organs. Symptoms depend mainly on the location of the parasite.

General symptoms of pathological conditions

There are many common symptoms of this pathology, but each symptom may or may not be present, depending on the location and type of parasite.

• Intestinal and gastric upset syndrome;
• Dysbiosis;
• constipate;
• diarrhea;
• stagnation of bile;
• weight changes;
• problematic skin;
• allergy;
• joint and muscle pain;
• anemia;
• Decreased immunity;
• Vitamin deficiency;
• sleep disturbance, nervousness;
• chronic fatigue;
• Oncology.

Stomach upset is one of the symptoms of parasites

Intestinal or stomach discomfort

Many types of parasites reside in the upper or lower intestines, causing inflammation, dysfunction, and bloating in the area. In this case, the absorption of nutrients is reduced. If the parasite is located in the upper intestine, the fat will not be broken down but will enter the lower intestine, causing cramps, alternating constipation and diarrhea.In addition, this symptom is often accompanied by:

• Upper abdominal pain;
• Pain under ribs on left and right sides;
• Nausea, heartburn;
• Decreased or complete lack of appetite;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• flatulence;
• Dysbiosis;
• Intestinal/biliary colic.

If the digestive tract does not function properly, other accompanying symptoms are also observed, which can affect the skin condition:

• Various types of rashes (acne, papules);
• Pigmentation;
• Decreased skin tone and frequent wrinkles;
• dehydration, dry skin;
• Changes in skin color - sallow, dull complexion.

bile stagnation

Parasites located in the biliary tract or nearby organs, due to their large size, can block the bile ducts of the biliary tract, causing obstruction of the common duct, making it difficult for bile to flow out, and causing obstructive jaundice.This problem can also have a negative impact on skin condition.

weight changes

Changes in weight can be either an increase or a decrease. This is the result of a parasitic disease. Weight loss is due to the depletion of nutrients by "sub-settlers". Obesity is also due to parasites that eat everything a person eats, which is why he has a false sense of hunger. Because the worms use their feces to poison the "host" body, blood sugar will drop and a feeling of unsatisfaction will also occur.Weight changes may be a sign of parasites

muscle and joint pain

Parasites seek out the best places for themselves, sometimes "settling" in joints or muscles. As a result, tissue damage or an immune response to its presence in the body occurs. This can cause a person to experience muscle or joint pain.

allergy

Parasites can disrupt the function of the digestive system, causing undigested food to pass into the lower intestines. The immune system responds by activating the body's protective cells called eosinophils, which can lead to allergic reactions. Parasites also increase immunoglobulin E secretion, thereby increasing allergic reactions.

Decreased immunity

The presence of internal parasites can impair immunity. Synthesis of immunoglobulin A, which maintains immune levels, is also reduced. As a result, the body becomes susceptible to the negative effects of various bacteria and viruses.As a result, patients often contract colds, viruses, and other illnesses.

sleep disorders, nervousness

The parasite's toxic secretions can negatively affect the functioning of the central nervous system, causing constant tension and worsening sleep quality. Patients often wake up at night between 2 a. m. and 3 a. m. This is caused by the body's "eagerness" to expel toxic substances secreted by the parasite through the liver.If the brain is damaged by parasite larvae, the following symptoms may occur:

• dyslexia;
• ADHD;
• Attention disorders.

Sleep disturbances may be a symptom of parasites in the bodyContinuous lack of sleep, tension and anxiety can have a negative impact on the condition of the entire body, including the skin.

chronic fatigue syndrome

Its signs include:

• general weakness;
• A decrease or increase in body temperature not due to any reason;
• Emotional instability;
• frustrated;
• indifference to all aspects of life;
• lack of concentration;
• poor memory;
• absent-minded;
• Very little physical activity can lead to rapid fatigue.

These symptoms may also be caused by other diseases caused by parasites.

diagnostic methods

Diagnosing the presence of parasites is quite difficult, especially in the first stages after their "invasion". Previously, the most effective methods were stool analysis and duodenal intubation. These studies made it possible to determine the presence of parasite fragments, eggs and larvae. But these methods don't always give reliable results. Currently, ongoing examinations can help determine the presence of parasites with almost 100% guarantee.

• Stool analysis (at least 3 times);
• ELISA test;
• Enzyme-linked immunoassay;
• Ultrasound examination of internal organs;
• Serological testing methods;
• computed tomography;
• PCR diagnostics, which involve the use of DNA analysis to analyze parasites;
• Internal biopsy.

Stool examination if there are signs of parasitesThese research methods not only help determine the presence of parasites, but also identify various diseases and disorders of system and organ function, as well as assess the condition of internal organs.If there are multiple signs of parasitic damage, you should immediately contact a specialist who will conduct all necessary tests. In this way, you can detect "settlers" in time and protect yourself from their negative effects on the body.

FAQ

What are the signs that parasites are present in the body?

Symptoms of parasites may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, allergic reactions, digestive problems and other non-specific symptoms.

What types of parasites can live in the human body?

There are many types of parasites that live in the human body, including helminths (roundworms and flatworms), protozoa, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.

What methods are used to diagnose internal parasites?

To diagnose internal parasites, stool tests, blood tests, molecular diagnostic methods, ultrasound, and other methods may be used, depending on the type of parasite and its habitat.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Watch for changes in weight and appetite in yourself and your pet, as these may be signs of parasites.

Tip #2

Learn about the different types of parasites, such as roundworms, flatworms, mites, lice, and more, so you can be prepared for possible infections.

Tip #3

See your doctor and veterinarian regularly for checkups and parasite testing, especially if you travel or live in an area with high infection rates.