In modern medicine, parasitic lesions are considered one of the most unpleasant and dangerous problems. They can "settle" in various systems and organs of the human body, causing various diseases, as well as adversely affect the general physical condition. The current pest fight is an urgent task that requires an integrated approach and professional treatment.
The spread of parasitic infections in modern society has increased significantly. This is a consequence of an increase in the number of tourist trips abroad, strengthening the connections between different cultures and increasing the level of movement of the population. Despite all the successes in the field of sanitation and hygiene, the probability of infection with parasites remains to this day. In addition, the emergence of new varieties of parasites significantly complicates the task and requires the creation of even more effective methods of treatment and diagnosis.
A large degree of adaptation and changeability is inherent only to living beings, so the idea that parasites can live within our body causes fear and rejection.
The causes of parasites in the body
Through contaminated food or water
Many parasites have the ability to live in poorly cooked or not processed food. For example, trichinosis- An infectious disease generated by the helminas of trichinell. Infection by them can occur in the case of consumption of raw or poorly fried meat.
Contact with dirty land and surfaces
Some types of parasites can exist in the environment for a long time and at the same time remain viable. A person is infected, touching the ground or surfaces, polluted, for example, excrement of animals. An example of such infection is an infectious disease causedascarids(worms).
Bad hygiene
Improper wash of the hands before eating and after the toilet increases the risk of helminthiasis. In addition, improper storage and cooking can create favorable conditions for their distribution. Accommodation in conditions of unsanitary conditions (poor hygiene or insufficient care for animals living nearby) also contributes to the development of parasitic infections.
Weak immunity
Unstable nutrition, stress, lack of sleep and the presence of chronic diseases are able to weaken the immune functions of the body, which is also a common cause of infection.
Parasites in the human body: signs, symptoms, how to get rid of
What are the types of parasites
Helminths (intestinal worms)
They are the most common parasitic group that lives in the human body, feeding on the digestive tract and tissues. Their most famous representatives areAskarids,Trematodes(liver and intestinal),Cestodes(worms-lane), some speciesNematode.
Proper
These are microscopic organisms living in the human body or its cavity. For example, giardias cause lambliosis, and amoebas can cause amoebic dysentery.
Plant parasites
These are microorganisms that use the animal or plant environment for their growth and development. Some of them are able to infect a person and cause the appearance of a skin fungus.
Blood -sucking insects
Mosquitoes and ticks can also be carriers of some infections. Ticks are pathogens of tick -borne encephalitis and borreliosis, and mosquitoes are malaria and denge fever.
Ectoparasites
Live on the skin of a person (skin lice) or his hairy area (pediculosis).
Pathogenic bacteria
Despite the fact that most bacteria are useful for the human body, there are those that can harm. They include staphylococcus and streptococcus.
Each type of parasites has its own distinctive features of the effect on the body and requires a special approach to drug therapy. In this regard, it is worth always applying for medical help in case of suspicion of parasitic infection.
Ways to transmit parasites
Contact with dirty soil or water
Parasites can live in soil or ponds. When interacting with them, they are able to penetrate through the epidermis. To protect you, follow elementary hygiene rules: wash your hands thoroughly before eating, not consuming raw or insufficiently cooked foods, and do not swim in dirty open ponds.
Through insect bites
Certain varieties of mosquitoes, ticks and flies are able to transmit different diseases, such as malaria or dermatitis. To protect against bites and prevent infection, you should use special repulsive agents, put on closed clothes during walks in the forest or nature, avoid accumulation of waste or stagnation of water, which can attract insects.
Eating products or drinks infected with parasite eggs
This can happen with insufficient food treatment and the use of poorly washed vegetables and fruits. Frying should be performed until the product is absolutely fried. You should also remember that vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed before use.
Parasites that are transmitted from person to person
The exchanger exchanging is carried out in close contact with infected through clothes, personal belongings or bedding. To prevent infection, you need to regularly change bedding, do not use extraneous personal things, and also try not to contact sick people.
Symptoms of parasites in the human body
Constant fatigue
The occurrence of constant fatigue, indifference and inability to focus is due to the fact that parasites deprive the body necessary for the proper functioning of nutrients.
Problems with a chair
This has various manifestations: diarrhea, constipation or change of color and texture of feces. Often, pathogens are able to influence the functioning of the digestive system, so some people may disgust from certain products.
Skin problems
Manifests itself in rashes, itching or excessive dry skin. Parasical organisms provoke allergic reactions and inflammation, which can lead to skin problems.
A constant feeling of thirst
This is due to the fact that some types of parasites have the ability to consume a large amount of liquid for their existence. A key sign of the imbalance of the body, in which parasites cause constant desire, may be a craving.
Changing appetite
Individual people suffer from a constant feeling of hunger, while others, on the contrary, lose interest in food. Worms affect metabolic processes, which is why digestion dysfunction occurs, leading to weight loss.
Sensitivity to infections
Frequent runny nose and reactions to allergens - all this can be the result of a weakened immune system. Parasites weaken the protective mechanisms of the body and make it more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Who is at risk
Children
This situation is explained by several factors: an unformed immune system, weaker mechanisms for protecting the body and insufficient knowledge of hygiene. The possibility of infection with certain types of parasites increases when children with animals are contacted and during the game on the street.
Tourists
People who visit exotic countries or regions with a high level of infection with parasites also risk infecting. Some types of parasites are transmitted through insect bites, contact with contaminated water or improperly prepared food. The most preferable preventive measures for the traveler are vaccinations and use of antiparasitic agents.
Residents of rural areas
Parasites are more prone to people living in rural areas or have direct contact with animals (farmers and hunters). For example, lambliosis and trichinellosis are often found in people involved in cattle breeding or consuming insufficiently overfected meat.
Immunostressive people
People with a weakened immune system (for example, HIV-positive patients or receiving immunosuppressive therapy) more often become carriers of parasitic infections.
How infection affects the immune system
When infecting with parasites, the human body activates a variety of immune mechanisms to detect and destroy these foreign agents. The immune system reacts to the presence of parasites, producing antibodies and cytokines. It is these proteins that help fight infection. In addition, special cells of the immune system - neutrophils and macrophages - phagocytes (absorb) pathogens.
However, some types of parasites were evolved in such a way as to avoid the action of the host’s immune system. This enables parasites for a long time to persist in the human body and continue to provoke various diseases.
The immune system, in the case of allergic reactions to parasites, begins to produce more antibodies of the IgE type and can cause a strong burning skin. In addition, some types of parasites have the opportunity to suppress the immune responsibility of the owner by the release of special components or modulating the activity of cell receptors.
Thus, foreign studies showed that infection with parasites of some species can lead to a change in the reaction of the immune system to other infections. For example, some helminths (worms) tend to suppress the body's immune response to bacteria or viral infections. This makes a person more subject to various kinds of infections.
Some types of parasites can cause damage to organs tissues. As a result of this, a decrease in the overall resistance of the body and the deterioration of its ability to fight other infections may occur.
How to determine the presence of parasites in the body
- Helminthological analysis - a study of the contents of excrement for the presence of parasite eggs. This research method is one of the most popular and convenient for identifying infection. For analysis, you need to collect a sample of feces to a clean container and take it to the laboratory. Adults of helminths are found without optical devices, and eggs - using a magnifier.
- A blood test for immunoglobulin to parasites. This method makes it possible to determine the presence of antibodies in the body, which are formed during contact with parasites. The study can help detect infections caused by parasites - for example, toxoplasm or opisthorchiasis.
- Ultrasound study. It is used to determine the presence of specific types of microorganisms (worms and protozoal infections).
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using computer tomographs or magnetic resonance systems, parasitic infections, such as echinococcus or toxoplasmosis, can be detected.
- Biopsy. During the biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed using a needle or surgical tool and then is studied under a microscope.
The conclusion about the presence of infection should be made exclusively by the attending Glistologist after examining the patient and evaluating his complaints, as well as taking into account the epidemic situation.
Treatment of parasites in the human body
Many patients with parasitic infections do not notice the presence of these hated guests until the symptoms of the disease become obvious. Determining the exact diagnosis is the first step towards the fight against parasites. It is necessary to consult an experienced parasitologist to find out the exact cause of the problem and choose the most effective treatment.
Drug treatment
Such drugs are sold in a pharmacy according to the prescription, these include capsules, tablets or strips for fixing the skin. They affect the vile inhabitants, eliminating or damaging them, which allows the body to get rid of infection.
It should be remembered that some microorganisms have a complex life cycle and require longer treatment. For example, the treatment of malaria can last several weeks or even months in order to completely get rid of parasitic organisms. Therefore, you need to follow the doctor’s instructions and end the full course of treatment.
Change in lifestyle
This is necessary to prevent re -infection and maintaining physical health after undergoing a course of treatment. It is necessary to remember about observing the hygiene of the hands and safety rules when interacting with food and water. Proper cooking and careful processing of products are also inextricable components of preventing parasitic infections.
Folk methods
There are certain herbs and plants that have antiparasical properties. But before using these funds, you should consult a doctor in order to exclude possible negative reactions or interactions with other drugs.
Recommendations for the prevention of infection with parasites
- Mandatory compliance with personal hygiene. Washing hands before eating and after interacting with soil or animals, significantly reduces the likelihood of infection with various types of pathogens. You should also monitor the accuracy of nails and cleanliness of shoes.
- Good processing and cooking are important factors that protect a person from parasitic infections. To get rid of possible parasites, the product must be well prepared. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed.
- Drinking water. The water class used for drinking has a very important role in the prevention of infection with parasites. To exclude infection, the liquid should go through the filter and processing. It is also advised to use only bottled water when traveling to states with an insufficiently developed water supply infrastructure.
- Caring for pets. Due to the fact that domestic animals can be carriers of parasites (helminths), it is recommended to regularly conduct prevention from worms and check the presence of fleas.
- When visiting a public place where there is a large accumulation of people, it is necessary to observe hygienic rules and be extremely attentive - there is no food of unknown origin.
- Medical examination and vaccination. Periodic medical inspections play a large role in the detection of parasitic infections and treatment in the initial stages. In particular, it is worth following vaccination recommendations from specific parasitic diseases when traveling to countries with a high level of threat of infection.
Useful tips
- Be sure to pay attention to hygiene. You need to wash your hands as necessary, not only before meals or after contact with contaminated surfaces (animals).
- It is worth considering the presence of a high standard of quality of drinking water. Water can become a source of various parasitic infections, especially if it has not been thoroughly treated. It is necessary to use exclusively purified or filtered water.
- Avoid products with insufficient heat treatment. As mentioned earlier, many parasites are transmitted through food products. That is why it is required to carry out heat treatment of meat, fish and other products. It is recommended to exclude unprocessed or unfinished meat from the diet.
- Buy products from trusted suppliers. Buy goods only in reliable outlets and bazaars, where sanitary control is respected.
- Strengthen the immune system. Using a powerful protective mechanism, the body can successfully resist various infections, as well as parasitic diseases. Regular use of fresh fruits and vegetables, full -fledged food (with sufficient protein) and physical activity can maintain the immune system in the proper form.
- Periodic medical examinations. With a systematic visit to the doctor, it is possible to identify the presence of parasites or signs of their presence.
- When interacting with animals, hygiene norms should be observed. If there are pets, do not neglect personal hygiene rules. Cathes for cats, bird cells with feathers and other places where pests can accumulate periodically cleaned.
- Antiparasitic drugs must be used. There are various medicines that help not become infected with certain types of parasites. In order to choose the necessary drug, consult a medical worker or pharmacist.
Possible complications
Some parasitic infections can be simple or short -term, but others can become a serious threat.
One of the possible complications in the presence of parasites in the body is, as a rule, inallergic answer. Most of the parasites produce poisons and substance substances that can cause severe allergies in humans. This is manifested in the form of skin rashes, itching, edema or redness.
Another common complication is a violation of the digestive apparatus. Enteroparasites can penetrate the gastrointestinal tract and consume its contents. This is what leads to a decrease in the assimilation of nutrients from food, as well as the development of deficiency of vitamins and trace elements.
In addition, harmful microorganisms can cause damage to the tissues of the human body. For example, parasites in the form of intestinal and flat worms can penetrate through the liver or gall bladder to the organ causing an inflammatory process. These parasites distinguish poisons that tend to harm other organs and tissues.
Parasitic zones can inhibit the protective response of the human body, which leads to increased susceptibility to other infections (frequent colds or allergic reactions).
It must be emphasized that complications in the presence of pests in the body depend on various factors (type of pest, level of infection and general physical form of a person). They also include old age, immunity and the presence of chronic diseases.
The fundamental measures to prevent potential complications are a standard examination for the presence of parasites and timely treatment.