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 helminthiases develop?

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

Infestation occurs after the eggs or larvae of parasites enter the body. Depending on the method of infection and the characteristics of transmission, there are geohelminths that have no intermediate recipients, biohelminths that successively replace several hosts, as well as contact parasites that are transmitted by contact of one individual with another.

Thus, pork and bovine tapeworms change several "owners" - this is how their development occurs. Such intermediate individuals are fish and insects. A person gets helminths by eating thermally unprocessed foods, including:

1. Pork and beef.
2. Raw fish (sometimes parasites are 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 into the soil along with feces. Pathogens enter the host's body when hygiene rules are violated

It is worth mentioning separately about the contact path. 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, self-infection is also observed (if a person touches his mouth with dirty hands).

Helminths can develop in various organs:

1. Colon. Bovine and pork 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, penetrate the brain or eyes).
2. Liver. Trematodes parasitize here. Once pathogen cysts have ruptured, they can also be seen in the peritoneum or spleen.
3. Respiratory system (eg, pulmonary fluke or echinococcus).
4. Nervous system (individuals from the schistosomiasis group parasitize here).
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 ranging 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, 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 lead to weakness, poor health, and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Injuries. When parasites attach to the intestinal wall, blood circulation is disrupted, 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 may develop.
7. Helminths irritate the nerve endings, which leads to coughing, spasm of the respiratory system, and impaired intestinal function.
8. Insomnia, neuroses.
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. Larvae begin to migrate into the organs, causing soft tissue trauma. At this stage, clinical manifestations may be absent, but sometimes the symptoms are quite pronounced. The duration of the acute stage is 1–4 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. Rashes on the skin 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 may develop, and a cough with blood may occur.
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 the chronic stage, and the pathogens become 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 nighttime 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 laboratory and instrumental 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 blood test and biochemistry. A stool test for helminths and enterobiasis is also required. Accurate laboratory tests are prescribed by the doctor 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. Computed tomography of the brain.

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

Most patients do not require hospitalization. If the helminths have penetrated the soft tissues, the disease proceeds with complications, then 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 patient’s age and weight.

Additionally, antiallergic drugs, body detoxification 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 drugs will be required to eliminate allergies and improve the patient’s well-being.

Prevention measures

To avoid the occurrence of helminthiases, adhere to 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 and purified water for drinking and hygiene procedures.
3. Carry out timely vaccination and prevention of helminths in pets.
4. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
5. Ensure adequate heat treatment of meat and fish.

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