Helminth infections or helminth infestations are acute infectious diseases caused by the introduction of special parasites, helminths, into the body of an adult. These include flat, round, ring and other worms. Such pathologies have a systemic effect and almost always occur chronically. Identification of signs of helminthic infestations in adult patients, analysis of their causes and treatment are carried out by gastroenterologists with the participation of therapists, infectious disease specialists and other specialists if necessary.
About the disease
Currently, up to 70 types of helminths are found in our country. In total, up to 250 types of parasites that cause helminthic infestations are known to science.
The mechanism of infection is simple: parasite eggs enter the human body with food or contaminated water, after which they stabilize in certain organs and begin to multiply. In some cases, infection occurs as a result of close contact of a healthy person with a carrier or the use of hygiene products or underwear of another person. Certain types of parasites can enter the body with the air they breathe.
Species
Considering the characteristics of the infection, experts emphasize:
- biohelminthiasis: an intermediate host is required for pathogen development and transmission;
- geohelminthoses: no intermediate host, eggs and/or larvae hatch in the soil;
- contact helminth infections: the pathogen is transmitted directly from person to person.
In a broader sense, experts identify two main groups of parasites that most commonly infect the human body: roundworms, or nematodes, and flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes.
Symptoms
Taking into account the symptoms in the clinical course of helminthosis in adult patients, two main stages are distinguished:
- acute lasting up to 2 months;
- chronic lasting up to several years.
Different types of helminths affect different parts of the body:
- roundworms, beef and pork worms, pinworms - large intestine;
- trematodes - liver, biliary tract;
- echinococci, pulmonary flukes - organs of the respiratory system;
- echinococci, alveococci, schistosomiasis - parts of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- nekators, cestodes - circulatory system;
- trichinella, filariae - organs of the lymphatic system.
The main symptoms of helminthosis in the acute stage in adults are:
- muscle pain;
- increased body temperature;
- trembling;
- stomach ache;
- flatulence and other dyspeptic phenomena;
- general deterioration of health;
- weakness;
- rapid fatigue;
- dry cough;
- shortness of breath;
- increased irritation.
Some patients note a noticeable decrease in appetite, others, on the contrary, complain of a constant feeling of hunger, sometimes a change in taste preferences.
The chronic form of helminthic infestation in adults is accompanied by general signs of intoxication of the body and specific symptoms determined by the location of the parasites. Often these are:
- constant abdominal pain, worsening after eating or physical activity;
- flatulence;
- swelling;
- bowel disorder.
Associated symptoms include:
- constant fatigue;
- apathy;
- unexplained weight loss;
- skin rashes;
- skin itching;
- excessive irritability;
- burning appetite, alternating with complete indifference to food.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs shows a clear enlargement of the liver and spleen. Using laboratory blood tests, severe iron deficiency anemia and deficiency of certain minerals in the body can be determined.
When intestinal parasites migrate to nearby organs and structures, women can develop vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and salpingo-oophoritis.
If the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are affected, the leading symptoms of the disease:
- severe shortness of breath;
- frequent dry cough;
- feeling tired, weak;
- arrhythmia.
If the organs of the lymphatic system are affected, enlargement of the lymph nodes and swelling of the genitals and mammary glands may occur.
Reasons
The main reason for the development of helminthosis is the consumption of food with parasite larvae or eggs in it or on its surface:
- raw and undercooked beef, pork, chicken and other types of meat;
- fresh red fish;
- raw eggs;
- poorly washed fruits, vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Sometimes infection occurs through unfiltered drinking water and water in natural reservoirs and pools.
Helminths can be infected by contact with underwear and bedding, common items (towels, dishes, knives, door handles, etc. ), as well as by using other people's personal hygiene products.
Diagnostics
After a general examination, collection of anamnesis and evaluation of the patient's complaints, the doctor sends the patient suspected of helminthic infestation for laboratory tests. These include:
- clinical blood test;
- stool analysis for worm eggs;
- ELISA or PCR according to indications;
- special tests to assess liver function;
- itching for enterobiosis;
- histology of various tissues and biological fluids.
Ultrasound examination of the liver, spleen, kidneys, as well as radiography of the gastrointestinal tract are mandatory. In addition, computer or magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic methods and other procedures can be used to examine different parts of the intestine.
Expert opinion
In some regions of the country, the prevalence of helminthiasis reaches 10%. This is due not only to the poor quality of food products, but also to non-compliance with basic safety rules. You should not eat raw meat and fish, and you should not buy goods from dubious retail outlets, especially semi-finished and ready meals. Before eating, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap, as well as fruits, vegetables and other fruits of nature, even if they are grown in your own garden. There may be contaminated feces in the soil, where helminth eggs are perfectly preserved for a long time. If any signs or symptoms of helminthiasis appear, it is necessary to seek treatment from qualified specialists and in no case to use traditional methods.
Treatment
In most cases, adequate therapy does not require hospitalization. Treatment of helminthosis in adults is carried out on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a doctor and with regular laboratory tests. In hospital conditions, only those who have developed complications as a result of helminthic infestation or whose condition is aggravated by chronic systemic diseases undergo therapy.
The basis of treatment is anthelmintic drugs of different spectrum of action. The dosage, regimen, and specific type of medication are selected by the attending physician based solely on laboratory test data, the patient's weight, and age.
In addition, the following can be specified:
- detoxification measures;
- antipyretics;
- antiallergic and antipruritic drugs;
- diuretics for edema.
Patients are advised to follow a light diet, limiting heavy foods, fried, smoked and acidic foods, which can have an additional irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
The following are recommended as preventive measures:
- control the quality of drinking water using boiled, carefully filtered or bottled water;
- do not eat raw meat and fish;
- buy groceries at official retail outlets;
- wash vegetables, fruits, berries and greens before eating;
- do not use other people's personal hygiene products;
- perform wet cleaning regularly in places where pets live;
- do not eat fruits from the garden without washing them;
- treat pets for parasites.
People who are in constant contact with the ground, animals, who often go fishing and hunting, who visit countries or regions with a low standard of living, should take preventive medicine twice a year for safety reasons. Your doctor will tell you how to do it correctly and what medicines to use during a personal consultation.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to get infected with helminths through sexual contact?
Yes, if the partner is infected and does not take good care of personal hygiene. This can also happen during anal sex.
What happens if helminthiasis is not treated?
Nothing good. The consequences of invasion can be severe chronic and acute diseases, including pneumonia, liver abscess and cirrhosis, ascites, hepatitis, as well as sepsis, peritonitis and a number of other dangerous conditions.
Is it possible to completely cure helminthosis?
The prognosis for most helminthiasis is favorable. A worsening prognosis is observed with the development of complications. Unfavorable prognosis for cysticercosis of the central nervous system, eyes, as well as echinococcosis if surgical treatment is not possible.
Which doctor treats helminthic infections?
A gastroenterologist deals with diseases of this group. If the patient has chronic pathologies, a specialized specialist, for example, endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. If necessary, a general practitioner is involved, and a pediatrician is involved when treating children.
What is fascioliasis?
It is a helminthic infection caused by trematode worms. This helminth parasitizes the cells of the liver and hepatobiliary tract. How does a person get infected? Through contaminated water, also lettuce, parsley, etc. These plants may contain parasitic larvae. The disease occurs in 2 stages - acute and chronic. In the acute stage, there may be high fever, skin rash, allergic lung damage, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and an increase in the level of eosinophils in the blood. The symptoms of the chronic stage are determined by the involvement of the hepatobiliary tract in the pathological process.