In modern conditions, over 300 parasitic infections are known. Harmful microorganisms and helminth worms penetrate the human body to use its resources, as well as scabies mites and lice that live on the skin and hair.
Sometimes parasitic diseases are almost asymptomatic. However, many infections can have serious consequences: parasites disrupt metabolism, poison the body and destroy tissues and organs. Some parasites pose a deadly threat. For example, malaria, an infection transmitted by malaria mosquitoes, kills more than 600, 000 people every year.
In our country, 1 to 2 million cases of parasitic diseases are registered every year, but, according to doctors, in reality the number of people infected with these infections is several times higher.
According to the World Health Organization, 4. 5 billion people suffer from parasitic infections - that is, more than half of the entire world's population. The main contributors to this sad statistic come from countries with hot climates, as well as regions with low levels of hygiene and lack of drinking water. The inhabitants of these countries face dangerous diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis. A disease caused by parasitic worms. Symptoms occur in the tropics and subtropics. In case of complications, they affect the liver, kidneys, bladder fibrosis and infertility. Filariasis. An infection caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of tropical insects. It leads to the destruction of the lymphatic system. In our country, as in countries with a mild climate, the problem of parasitic infections is not so acute: here the most common are 18-20 parasitoses, which are easily treated and have a favorable prognosis.
Types of parasitic diseases
Diseases caused by protozoan microorganisms are divided into three main categories: infections caused by amoeba, trichomonas and leishmania.
Also, depending on the stage of the disease, acute and chronic parasitic infections are distinguished, as well as by location - intestinal and extraintestinal, when parasites penetrate and multiply in various tissues and organs: lungs, muscles, liver, kidneys, but not in the intestines.
Let's look at the diseases that are most common in our country.
Diseases caused by protozoan microorganisms
Giardiasis
The body is infected with intestinal lamblia (Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia), which are transmitted through contact with contaminated fruits and vegetables, water or everyday items. They stick to the walls of the small intestine, feeding on the remaining food. Symptoms of giardiasis include abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, nausea, vomiting, general weakness and insomnia.
Amoebiasis (amoebic dysentery)
The most common cause of this disease is the dysenteric amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. Infection occurs through the fecal-oral route. Microorganisms can survive for a long time on different surfaces, in water, in vegetables, fruits and meat. Typically, amebiasis manifests as severe diarrhea (often mixed with blood and mucus), nausea and low fever. If the microorganisms enter the bloodstream and spread to the liver, lungs and brain, this can lead to the formation of a liver abscess (the formation of a cavity filled with pus), respiratory failure and symptoms of encephalitis.
Diseases caused by helminths
Enterobiasis
The most common disease that occurs is ascariasis - it accounts for up to 70% of all cases of parasitic infections. Almost every resident of our country has encountered this at least once in his life. Ascariasis is caused by roundworms - roundworms. Ascaris eggs can enter the body through dirty hands, they stay for a long time in food and various objects with which an infected person has come into contact. These parasites cause nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances and a person often experiences itching in the anus.
Ascariasis
Pinworm infection is caused by roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides). Their larvae enter the body through vegetables and fruits, as well as through interaction with contaminated soil. A person infected with ascoriasis loses appetite, stomach aches and nausea. With a large number of these parasites, problems with the patency of the intestines or bile ducts may appear, disrupting the digestion process and the output of bile.
An adult roundworm can reach a length of 25-30 cm
Toxocariasis
The cause of the disease is the roundworm Toxocara canis, which is transmitted to humans through the fecal-oral route. In most cases, infection occurs without symptoms, since Toxocara canis larvae do not grow into adults in the human body. However, moving through organs and tissues, they can disrupt their normal functioning. As a result, a person may experience an unreasonable cough and difficulty breathing if the respiratory system is damaged, neurological disorders if the brain is damaged, allergic reactions and anemia. In extreme cases, the infection can lead to deterioration of vision or complete loss of vision.
Echinococcosis
Echinococcosis is caused by the parasitic worm Echinococcus, which lives in the body of some animals and is transmitted from them to humans. Inside the human body, worm larvae form cysts in the liver, kidneys, lungs and even the brain. This can lead to serious complications - anaphylactic shock, increased intracranial pressure, development of abscesses, pathological changes in organs and tissues - and lead to premature death.
Opisthorchiasis
If you eat badly fried or slightly salted fish from the carp family, you can get opisthorchiasis. These fish are often infected with the larvae of flatworms of the genus Opisthorchis, which damage the bile ducts in the liver, pancreas and gall bladder. Symptoms of the disease include excessive sweating, allergic rash, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.
Fish delicacies can become a source of parasites
Diseases caused by arthropods
mange
One of the most common skin diseases is lice, caused by microscopic mites Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. These mites are transmitted through contact with an infected person, burrow into the skin, migrate and lay eggs, resulting in itching and rashes. Pediculosis can lead to serious complications related to the occurrence of secondary infection.
mange
Bad affliction on the skin and hair, an infection often caused by the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). That parasite attacks the host by sucking blood. Lice saliva, entering the bite wound, causes extreme itching. Pediculosis leads to the appearance of eczema and conjunctivitis: by scratching the bite points (yes, they can also be in the eyebrow area, the eyelash line), a person can transfer pathogenic bacteria to the resulting wounds, which lead to infectious complications. Also, lice are carriers of an extremely dangerous infection - typhus.
Regular hygiene is not an infallible guarantee against lice infection: they live successfully on both healthy and dirty hair.
Signs of parasitic infection
Most often, parasitic infections, widespread in our country, most often manifest with minimal symptoms or signs similar to intestinal infections and poisoning. A person infected with parasites has a worsening of appetite, abdominal pain, occasional bouts of nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss and a general deterioration of health and weakness. An increase in temperature, the appearance of a rash and other allergic reactions, iron deficiency anemia and minor disorders of the nervous system (increased excitability, sleep problems) are also possible.
Parasitic diseases are often confused with poisoning, intestinal infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
Often the signs either increase or decrease, making diagnosis difficult. In most cases, parasitic infections are discovered incidentally during preventive examinations or during the diagnosis of other diseases.
Complications due to parasites
Typically, common parasitic infections in our country rarely lead to serious complications. However, with a significant number of parasites in the body, over time, a person's health can seriously deteriorate.
The most common complications of parasitic infections:
- obstruction in the intestines and bile ducts,
- abscesses of internal organs,
- sepsis,
- peritonitis,
- intestinal inflammation,
- inflammation of the upper respiratory tract,
- anaphylactic shock.
Parasitic diseases in children
70–90% of cases of parasitic infections affect children and adolescents. This is because children tend to be less hygienic and more active in exploring the world around them. Children are often diagnosed with polyinfestations, when the child is infected with several types of parasites, for example, enterobiasis in combination with ascariasis or giardiasis. If a child is infected with one type of worm or protozoan, his or her immunity weakens, making him or her more vulnerable to other types of parasites and infections.
Parasitic infections cause serious damage to the child's body: its protective functions are interrupted, the child does not feel well, his mood often changes and his academic performance decreases. Therefore, it is recommended that tests for parasitosis be done regularly to prevent the most common infections.
Which specialist treats parasitic diseases?
Signs of parasitic infections can be confused with symptoms of a cold, allergy or intestinal infection. If you suspect parasites are present, it is important to contact your general practitioner, who can assess your symptoms, order the necessary tests and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.
It is especially important that children undergo regular tests for parasitic diseases to avoid possible complications.
If parasites are present in the body for a long time and have seriously affected health, consultation with specialists in other fields of medicine may be required. For example, with echinococcosis, it is often necessary to consult a surgeon to remove cysts formed by helminths through surgery.
Performing laboratory tests for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases
Most parasitic infections can be successfully detected through testing. By studying the composition of the blood, the presence of antibodies that the body produces in response to the invasion of foreign parasites can be identified. Examination of faeces and smears helps to detect parasite eggs and larvae.
However, it should be noted that parasites have their own developmental cycle (from egg to adult), and in the early stages of infection, tests may not detect the presence of parasites. To ensure reliable results, some tests are recommended to be performed twice with an interval of 7-10 days.
Methods of treatment of parasitic diseases
When the diagnosis is confirmed by the doctor, he prescribes antiparasitic medications, which are usually taken over a course of several days to several weeks. Symptomatic treatment can also be prescribed - antipyretics for fever, medicines for diarrhea and absorbents for gastrointestinal disorders, immunomodulators to maintain immunity.
After completing the course of treatment, it is recommended to carry out tests again to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and complete recovery.
Measures for the prevention of parasitic diseases
The main reason why parasites enter the human body is dirty hands, contaminated water and food. To avoid the development of infections, it is important to adhere to hygiene rules: wash your hands regularly, carry out wet cleaning at home, handle fruits and vegetables with care and wear protective gloves when working in the garden. Meat and fish should be boiled, fried or baked until cooked. Uncooked dishes, uncooked or lightly salted smoked foods can become a source of parasites.
To prevent parasitic infections, it is important to maintain good hygiene
Everyone, especially children and teenagers, should be tested regularly for the most common parasitic diseases to help detect potential diseases early.
Before traveling to tropical countries, you should consult a doctor and learn about measures to prevent exotic parasitic infections, which are rarely found in our country. Treatment of such infections is usually more difficult, complications develop more often and diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of experience of doctors.
Home methods to get rid of parasites
Parasites, these uninvited guests in our body, can cause many unpleasant diseases. They can cause allergic reactions, disrupt digestion and even affect your mental state. Fortunately, there are effective ways to control pests right in your home.
One of the most popular methods to get rid of parasites is to use natural products such as garlic, ginger and walnuts. Garlic, due to its anti-parasitic properties, can help fight parasites and strengthen the immune system. |
In addition, you can resort to the use of decoctions and herbal infusions. Herbs such as tansy, yarrow and cloves are known for their anti-parasitic properties and can help rid the body of parasites. |
Do not forget about proper hygiene. Regular hand washing before eating, peeling vegetables and fruits before eating, and handling meat before cooking are basic precautions to help avoid parasite infestation. |
Parasites as a cause of allergic reactions
When exposed to parasites, the human body can begin to develop allergic reactions to these pathogens.
Protection against parasites during travel is an important aspect of health, since the possibility of infection can lead not only to a deterioration of general health, but also to the development of allergic reactions.
Protection from parasites during travel
When we travel, especially to warm countries, it is important to remember the potential danger that parasites can pose. The presence of parasites can negatively affect our health and cause various problems. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to protect against them.
There are many ways to protect yourself from parasites while traveling. One of the most important is monitoring the quality of drinking water and food, since parasitic infections are most often transmitted through them. It is also worth considering the location of the hotel and taking measures to prevent insects and ticks.
When traveling to exotic countries, you should always consult a doctor and take malaria prophylaxis, as mosquitoes can carry this dangerous disease. The use of insect repellants and disinfection of personal hygiene items is also recommended.
Harm of parasites for women's health
Parasites can seriously damage women's health, causing various problems and complications.
The fight against parasites in women requires special attention and an integrated approach to avoid serious health consequences.
Questions and answers:
What parasitic infections can occur in humans?
To date, more than 300 parasitic infections are known, which are caused by single-celled organisms, helminths, arthropods and other parasites.
How do parasites enter the human body?
Parasites can enter the human body through contaminated drinking water, food, insect bites, contact with infected animals or other people.
What symptoms can appear with a parasitic infection?
Symptoms of parasitic infections can include gastrointestinal upset, weakness, fatigue, weight changes, allergic reactions, itching and skin irritation.
What precautions can you take to avoid parasitic infections?
To prevent parasitic infections, it is necessary to maintain hand hygiene, avoid eating raw or undercooked foods, carefully monitor the purity of water and take protective measures against insects.
How are parasitic infections treated?
Treatment of parasitic infections depends on the type of parasite and may include taking antiparasitic drugs, antibiotics, symptomatic therapy and other methods prescribed by the doctor.
What types of parasitic infections can enter the human body?
More than 300 types of parasitic infections are known today, caused by single-celled organisms, helminths, arthropods and other parasites.
In which organs and tissues of the human body can parasites live?
Parasites can live in the intestines, liver, lungs, blood and other organs and tissues of the human body, using it as a source of food and resources for their survival.