As you know, parasites are considered to be the most resistant organisms in the environment. Today, about 250 species are recognized as helminths that have human infection. All of them endanger the health, and in more severe cases - the lives of those infected. Knowledge of helminth types and their characteristics greatly facilitates treatment and facilitates the development of an effective prevention plan.
What worms do humans have?
It takes a long time to fully understand the types of worms. The fact is that so far scientists have not been able to provide the most detailed information about the classification of parasites. This is further due to the fact that a certain area is characterized by the presence of a specific helminthic invasion. In this regard, it is almost impossible to obtain data on all types of human helminths on Earth.
Thus, the most commonly diagnosed worms in the southern zone are practically not found in the population of the northern geographical regions. For temperate climates and mid-latitudes, about 20 species of worms are recognized as the most common. They can be conditionally divided into 3 main categories:
- Round parasitic worms (nematodes).
- tapeworms (cestodes).
- Flatworms (trematodes).
1. Round and flat helminths
Each of the above groups includes a huge variety of parasitic organisms that need a brief description. Children and adults often need to be treated for such worms in the trematode class:
- Chinese flux;
- cat flux;
- Liver flux.
Among the nematodes are the 7 most well-known and common types of parasites that inhabit the body of any age. Roundworms that can be transmitted by any means are:
- pinworms;
- round worm;
- intestinal acne;
- whip;
- Trichinella;
- Trichostrongilides;
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
2. Invasions of the Cestodes
Tapeworms (or cestodes) are parasitic worms that pose the greatest threat to the body. Such helminth infestations are less commonly diagnosed than roundworm infections in children and adults, but infection with the following types of worms has the most serious consequences:
- bullish tapeworm;
- dwarf tapeworm;
- on pork tape;
- wide ribbon;
- Echinococcus;
- on rat tape.
Why are worms dangerous to humans?
In order to adequately assess the degree of danger to a patient's health in the event of helminth settlement, it is first necessary to determine what type of worms they belong to. The treatment and its duration are determined by the type of worm. The main damage from the presence of parasites in the body is felt in the intestines - the predominant part of all helminths is localized in this organ. All nutrients that are to be absorbed and brought to benefit humans are selected by the worms.
Meanwhile, other types of worms not only grow in the intestines and "steal" all the necessary valuable micronutrients from humans. They actively multiply and affect other important human organs and systems. In addition to the heart muscle, liver, and lungs, worms can cause enormous damage to the brain and blood vessels. Worms can even infect the eyes.
Main Ways of Worm Infection
You can protect yourself and your loved ones from the onset of the disease if you know how a particular species of helminth enters the body. This is the only way to take all the necessary measures in a timely manner and reduce the risk of infection. The main routes of transmission are known to be:
- Infection occurs through soil and water. When walking barefoot on the ground, the risk of inside eggs increases several times. An unverified source of drink and, in many cases, even water from a common water supply may contain worm larvae.
- Helminth eggs enter the body along with animal products. The result of helminthic invasion is insufficient or poor processing of meat, fish, seafood, eggs. People who prefer exotic Asian cuisine are threatened by worms. It, sushi, sashimi is based on raw fish and meat.
- Some types of parasites can settle in the gut, getting into it with washed vegetables and fruits. Refusal of animal products does not solve the problem of the likelihood of developing helminthiasis. As cups, already mentioned, may contain soil. Before use, it is recommended to boil any fruit with boiling water.
- Worms are transmitted to humans and animals. Pets often do not become a source of infection for their owners. However, worms are found both inside the animal and on its fur. From dogs and cats, the eggs of parasites fall into the soil and then melt with water.
Transmission of parasites from sick people
Worms can also be transmitted from one infected person to another. There are several ways to transmit helminth infestations:
- by hand washing (for example, when holding hands, hugs);
- when using common utensils;
- while wearing someone else's underwear;
- Group use of personal care products by several people.
Pinworm eggs are most often transmitted from person to person, often falling under the nail plates and staying there for a long time. The spread of these types of worms in children is explained by the neglect of the elementary rules of cleanliness. The baby can simply put his hand in his mouth or bite his nails, so coriander worms do not have difficulty penetrating a new human body. At this stage, the task of parents is to timely identify the signs of helminthiasis and prevent the development of helminth infestation in their child, to immediately begin treatment of the disease.
Symptoms of the acute stage of helminthiasis
It is not easy to detect early signs of parasitic infection in adults or children. Diagnosis of the presence of worms is also complicated by the fact that the incubation period in some species can last up to a year and a half.
Usually the first symptoms of worm infection appear after different periods. In addition, the course of helminthiasis can be conventionally divided into 2 stages:
- Acute stage (lasts an average of no more than two months from the incubation period);
- Chronic (characterized by the development of sexually transmitted parasites and can last for decades).
The main, most pronounced symptom in the acute phase of the invasion can be called an allergic reaction. Abnormal manifestations on the skin as a result of the production of antibodies to the migration of parasitic larvae should be warned. The following symptoms are an indication of infection with any type of worm in humans:
- skin hyperemia;
- burning sensation and itching;
- small eruptions on the surface of the epidermis or mucous membrane; small increase in
- lymph nodes;
- local swelling;
- pain in the bump (choking attacks);
- vomiting and constant nausea;
- Diarrhea or constipation.
In addition, dangerous pathologies such as pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis can become complications of the appearance of other organisms.
Reliable confirmation of the presence of helminths of internal organs is the index of eosinophils in a clinical blood test. The increased value of these particles is caused by dysproteinemia - a violation of the normal numerical proportion between protein fractions.
Types of symptoms in the chronic form of the disease
Signs of chronic helminthiasis are defined by the localization of parasite colonization. Simply put: the manifestation of the disease will depend on which organ becomes the main habitat of a particular type of worm.In particular, the most common parasitism in roundworm intestines can persist even without minor symptoms. If larger species are affected by worms, the signs of the disease will become noticeable as soon as the worms mature. Dyspeptic disorders in adults and children, pain syndrome, and neurotic manifestations are their hallmarks. Ascariasis is often characterized by the development of intestinal obstruction and pancreatitis and increases the risk of oncological diseases.
Medications against parasites
It is necessary to treat helminthiasis at an early stage. Therapy will be effective if you know exactly what kind of parasite has settled in the body before starting it. There are many anthelmintics available today.
These are different types of medications that can target specific types of worms. Strong worm medications are a wide range of medications and are perfect for treating combined helminthiasis. Both are considered toxic, have many side effects and contraindications. The use of such medications should be carried out with extreme caution only after medical recommendation.
Most types of worms in adults are treated for a long time and persistently. Often, parasitologists prescribe several anthelmintic drugs at the same time.
Specific drug regimen and dose should be determined by a specialist only. This will help prevent allergies and serious side effects. Treatment for some types of helminth infection should be repeated. This is often due to the fact that most adult worms are neutralized during the first therapy, but some forms of larva and worm eggs still remain in the patient's body. If not treated again, the worms will return again.
Basic preventive measures
Drug therapy is undoubtedly an important part of the parasite control and, in some cases, prophylaxis process. However, in order to deal with invasive worms, you need to follow the simplest rules of worm prevention. Treatment will not work if you ignore the following rules:
- Wash your hands often, especially after going to the toilet and before eating.
- If you can not clean your hands with soap, it is advisable to use wet antibacterial wipes.
- Any food should be thoroughly rinsed before cooking.
- It is important that meat and fish are prolonged exposure to heat.
- Drink only water from reliable sources.
- At least once a year, it is very important to check for worms.