Helminthiasis

Helminthic infestation is a pathology that develops in humans and representatives of flora and fauna. The reason for its appearance is helminth infection.

Why do helminthiasis develop?

Today in the Russian Federation you can find about 70 varieties of helminths out of 250 existing species, all of which can parasitize the human body. Particularly common are roundworms and pinworms (so-called roundworms), porcine and bovine tapeworms, which are related to tapeworms, and flukes (cat's rig).

Infestation occurs after the eggs or larvae of the parasites enter the body. Depending on the method of infection and the characteristics of transmission, there are geohelminths that do not have intermediate receptors, biohelminths that successively replace several hosts, as well as contact parasites that are transmitted by contact from one individual to another.

Therefore, porcine and bovine tapeworms change several "owners" - this is how it develops. These intermediate individuals are fish and insects. A person gets helminths by eating non-thermally processed foods, including:

1. Pork and beef.
2. Raw fish (parasites are sometimes also found in lightly salted products).
3. Raw water, as well as fruits and vegetables washed with contaminated water.

Ascaris and necator do not have "intermediate" owners. Their eggs and larvae penetrate the soil along with feces. Pathogens enter the host's body when hygiene rules are violated.

The contact route is worth mentioning separately. This is the interaction of a healthy organism with an infected one (for example, if people use shared utensils or hygiene products, or inhale dust in a room with a pathogen). With enterobiasis, autoinfection is also observed (if a person touches his mouth with dirty hands).

Helminths can develop in various organs:

1. Colon. Bovine and porcine tapeworms, as well as pinworms, usually develop there. From this organ, the larvae can penetrate the general circulatory system and spread to other organs (for example, penetrating the brain or eyes).
2. Liver. Trematodes parasitize here. Once pathogenic cysts have ruptured, they can also be seen in the peritoneum or spleen.
3. Respiratory system (eg, lung fluke or echinococcus).
4. Nervous system (here individuals from the schistosomiasis group parasitize).
5. Visual organs (laosis and taeniasis).
6. Skin (loiasis and schistosomiasis in the form of larvae).
7. Bone tissue (echinococcosis).

The lifespan of parasites can vary, usually from a few weeks to several years. Some pathogens can live in the human body for decades.

Classification

Depending on the type of parasite, worms can be round, flat, tape-shaped and also include flukes. Parasites are also divided according to their methods of spread (for example, through an intermediate link or by contact).

Symptoms

Parasites have different effects on the human body:

1. Development of allergic reactions, local or general.
2. Toxic influence. The waste products of these individuals cause weakness, poor health, and disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Injuries. When parasites adhere to the intestinal wall, blood circulation is disturbed, necrotic processes subsequently develop and the mucous membrane atrophies. The vital activity of helminths leads to compression of soft tissues.
4. Secondary inflammatory process due to the addition of bacteria.
5. Metabolic disorder.
6. Since some parasites feed on blood, anemia can develop.
7. Helminths irritate nerve endings, causing cough, spasms of the respiratory system and impaired intestinal function.
8. Insomnia, neurosis.
9. Immune suppression.

Helminthiasis develops in several stages and each of them is characterized by its own symptoms.

The first stage is acute, during which the pathogens have not yet laid eggs. It is characterized by sensitization, when the body produces antibodies, reacts to the inflammatory process and the vascular wall becomes more fragile. The larvae begin to migrate towards the organs, causing trauma to the soft tissues. At this stage, clinical manifestations may be absent, but sometimes the symptoms are quite pronounced. The duration of the acute stage is 1 to 4 months, in some cases it can reach a year.

During this period, patients complain of the following manifestations:

1. Fever with weakness and profuse sweating.
2. Skin rashes that are accompanied by itching.
3. Swelling.
4. Enlarged lymph nodes.
5. Painful sensations in the joints and muscles.
6. Cough with attacks of suffocation. Chronic bronchitis, asthmatic syndrome and coughing up blood may develop.
7. Painful sensations in the abdomen, nausea, stool disorders.

When this stage is completed, allergic reactions become less pronounced.

Then the subacute stage begins, when helminths gradually develop. After this, the disease enters a chronic stage and the pathogens develop into sexually mature individuals. The exact clinical picture depends on the group of organs affected, the size and number of parasites. Thus, intestinal symptoms, a feeling of extreme fatigue, increased irritability and manifestations of aggression often occur. Enterobiasis is characterized by nocturnal itching in the perianal area; if the number of parasites is too large, intestinal obstruction may develop;

Features of diagnosis and therapy.

When making a diagnosis, the patient's complaints are studied and the results of instrumental and laboratory studies are analyzed. The acute stage is characterized by a certain blood reaction to the presence of a pathogen in the body. The patient is recommended to undergo a general and biochemical blood test. A stool test is also required to detect helminths and enterobiasis. The doctor prescribes precise laboratory tests depending on the symptoms of the disease.

Additional studies include:

1. X-ray of the chest organs.
2. Ultrasound or computed tomography of the peritoneal organs and chest.
3. CT scan of the brain.

If you suspect you have helminthiasis, make an appointment with your GP, who will be able to refer you to a highly specialized doctor.

Most patients do not require hospitalization. If helminths have penetrated the soft tissues, the disease progresses with complications and hospital treatment will be required.

For treatment, drugs with anthelmintic effect are prescribed. The exact dosage is determined only by the doctor; It depends on the stage of the pathology, the age and weight of the patient.

Additionally, anti-allergy medications, body detoxifiers and vitamin preparations are prescribed to strengthen the immune system. In case of elevated body temperature and severe pain, the doctor prescribes drugs from the NSAID group; swelling is eliminated with diuretics. In severe stages, treatment with hormonal medications will be necessary to eliminate allergies and improve the patient's well-being.

Preventive measures

To avoid the appearance of helminthiasis, follow the following prevention recommendations:

1. Maintain personal hygiene carefully. Do not use other people's towels, toothbrushes, or other personal items.
2. Use only high-quality, purified water for drinking and hygiene procedures.
3. Carry out timely vaccination and prevention of helminths in pets.
4. Wash vegetables and fruits well.
5. Ensure adequate heat treatment of meat and fish.

Before traveling to an exotic country or to a children's camp, you can take special medications to prevent helminthiasis. If you frequently travel to exotic countries or have pets, it is best to carry out preventive care for the whole family twice a year.