Parasites in the human body: consequences of infection, transmission routes, types of worms

The history of helminthology dates back thousands of years.

The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.

The term "worm", which is ubiquitous today, was introduced by Hippocrates.

Since then, information about the parasite has accumulated.

Now there are more than 100 thousand species.

All types of worms are classified as low-level worms of the scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).

They are divided into four classes:

• flatworms are cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (worms);
• roundworms, which include one class of nematodes;
• spiny-headed worm;
• Annelids.

The human body is parasitized by the first two types of worms (more than 250 species in total).Worms spend the main stages of their life cycle inside the body of a human or animal, called a host.

All parasites are divided into two large groups:

• geohelminth,its development begins in the external environment and ends in the “host” tissue;
• biohelminth,Its life activity only occurs in living organisms, and during its development process, the worm can change several "hosts".

There is also a group called infectious worms.This parasite in the human body can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person;This type includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.

The most common nematous worm infestations are:

• ascariasis, caused by roundworms in humans;
• toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the animal's intestines;
• trichocephalosis, developing due to whipworm infestation;
• enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
• hookworms, the appearance of which is caused by parasitism of hookworms and nekator;
• strongyloidiasis, the cause of which is intestinal acne;
• trichostrongylidosis caused by the parasite of the same name;
• trichinosis caused by one of four types of Trichinella;
• filariasis, the cause is filaria, also called filaments.

Among cestodiases, the following diseases are distinguished:

• diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
• teniarinhoz caused by bovine tapeworm;
• taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
• hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
• dipylidiasis caused by parasitism of dog tapeworms;
• echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcal tapeworm;
• alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.

Of the trematodes, the following worms are often diagnosed:

• fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
• opisthorchiasis, the cause of which is parasitism in the feline fluke;
• clonorchiasis caused by the Chinese fluke;
• metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimimus;
• schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by the parasite of the same name.

A separate group includes the so-called protozoal diseases caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoeba, malaria plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.

The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are found everywhere: in soil, sandboxes, fences, ordinary household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, in the fur, paws and saliva of pets.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the majority of cases, in the body of a healthy person, the parasites die and are excreted from the intestines.

However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.

Their life activity is accompanied by:

• metabolic disorders;
• vitamin deficiency;
• mineral and protein deficiencies;
• the formation of an allergic response, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
• negative impact of toxic waste products of worms.

In addition, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) when introduced into the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.Dwarf tapeworms cause changes in the structure of the small intestinal epithelium down to its deepest layers.With echinococcosis and alveococcosis, as the larvae grow, mechanical compression occurs on the surrounding tissue, usually the liver, which causes jaundice.

The digestive tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, the worms enter the main blood vessels, and from there to almost all organs.Localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the main symptoms of the disease.The introduction of worms in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.

The severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms, the method of treatment depends on the type of parasite.Relatively “harmless” pinworms and roundworms in most cases cause disorders of the digestive tract.And the entry of protozoa (e.g. amoeba) into the body can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathology and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain and muscle tissue.

To get rid of some worms, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, drinking infusions with celandine, ginger, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in case of severe and massive infestation, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.To destroy worms requires long-term drug therapy, and assistance in restoring the basic functions of the digestive tract.

The development of helminths can only be prevented by following certain precautions.

However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways that parasites appear in the human body:

• Ingestion through hands, unwashed food, wool, pet and bird feathers, in which there are parasite eggs and larvae along with soil particles.This way you can become infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
• Xenotrophic when consumed as food in the form of meat, milk, fish and seafood that is not thermally processed.This route of transmission is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
• Contact, for example through skin pores, schistosomes enter the body (live in hot climates).
• It is transmitted through blood through insect bites (eg filariasis).
• Transplacental from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.

Considering the realities of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone a visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since medicines for eliminating worms can be bought without a prescription in every pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Means for eradicating parasites are not the same in their therapeutic activity;in addition, different types of worms “require” individual selection of the dose and duration of treatment.

Therefore, if you suspect the presence of parasites in the human body, you need to contact a specialist.The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, a recent return from an exotic country requires special research to identify pests);
• appointment of general blood tests, feces, co-program;
• blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
• assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas due to parasites;
• identify possible comorbidities that may be a contraindication to the prescription of certain medications.

This is important!

Self-treatment of worm infestations is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Signs of parasites in the body depend on the location of their localization

Tissue damage caused by worms is accompanied by a lot of bleeding.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue, and decreased performance.Due to disruption of metabolic processes and absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails and hair worsens.A person quickly loses weight and often suffers from viral and infectious diseases.

In addition, the life activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts to its appearance appropriately, so that if there are parasites in the human body, there will definitely be symptoms of an allergic reaction.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which manifests itself in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders, and deterioration of well-being.

The development of parasitic invasion of human heart tissue occurs against the background of severe disturbances in the function of the myocardium.

Patients complain about:

• hard to breathe;
• changes in heart rate;
• feeling of lack of air;
• feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.

Addition of the inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.This disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.

Epidermal worms are relatively rare.Typically, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.

Signs of parasites in the body when some worms attack the skin may look like this:

• ulceration in areas in contact with feces;
• the appearance of an itchy rash;
• swelling and redness, sometimes during worm migration;
• formation of swelling that resembles a wen;
• the appearance of purulent acne.

Symptoms of parasites entering the eye depend on several factors.If the worm "lives" under the skin of the eyelid, its movement can be felt or even seen.However, as the worms penetrate deeper into the optic nervous system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment, and limited visibility.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eyes can result in permanent blindness.

The digestive tract is the habitat of most worms.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms mainly appear from the digestive system.

Patients usually complain:

• pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal area;
• diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, this mainly occurs in the early stages of infection;
• a mixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
• the occurrence of painful spasms along with the urge to defecate;
• decreased or lack of appetite;
• flatulence, bloating.

Due to disruption of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, roundworm balls can cause intestinal blockages.

Penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disorders throughout the body.Moreover, such invasions sometimes do not manifest themselves in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other building blocks, frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, despite carrying out the daily routine, constant weakness and intolerance to physical activity occur.

In addition, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upward, and body temperature often increases.

Doctors emphasized that the discovery of foreign "creatures" in the body should not be used as a reason to panic.Modern drugs allow quickly and without side effects to cleanse all organs of worms and fully restore their function.

Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention

Recently, several private clinics announced that a new safe method has been created to combat worms - bioresonance therapy.The principles of this treatment are based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, each cell of our body does not move in one place, but is in a constant vibration mode, emitting electromagnetic waves.The length is individual for each internal organ.

Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from our body tissues.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to specific biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length, which do not affect the functioning of a person's cells, but destroy the parasite's body.

The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, and the treatment equipment does not have appropriate certificates.However, exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause harm and will not cause complications.

Actually, there are not many drugs used to eradicate worms and protozoa.The dosage of the drug, the regimen and duration of its use are selected by the doctor depending on the patient's age, the severity of the invasion and the presence of accompanying pathologies.

For relatively mild worm infestations, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily prepared at home, and the components are sold in any pharmacy.

To expel worms from the intestines, healers recommend:

• Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger and pomegranate as possible.
• Buy regular cloves used for cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and drunk according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second day - 1 g, and from the third to the ninth day - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Pour a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle roots with a glass of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 15 minutes.Let it cool completely and take 3 tbsp.I.three times a day before meals.
• Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
• Mix 10 tbsp.I.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.I.cloves, grind and take at the rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
• Mix grated coconut dregs and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.

Almost the only method to prevent the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is strict adherence to the rules of hygiene, which everyone knows from childhood.Namely washing your hands before eating, after going to the toilet, and returning from a walk.Careful thermal treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish and cleaning of fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants is also necessary.

But human parasites appear at every step, making it almost impossible to avoid meeting them.To prevent severe complications of invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the body's immune defense and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of worms appear, you should consult a doctor, undergo the prescribed tests and complete the full course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.