In modern conditions, over 300 parasitic infections are known. The microorganisms that excite them and helminthic worms penetrate the human body to use its resources, as do 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 the metabolism, poison the body and destroy tissues and organs. Some parasites pose a deadly threat. For example, malaria, an infection transmitted by malarial mosquitoes, kills more than 600, 000 people every year.
In our country, 1 to 2 million cases of parasitic diseases are recorded every year, but, according to doctors, in reality the number of people infected with these infections is many times higher.
According to the World Health Organization, 4. 5 billion people suffer from parasitic infections, which is more than half of the entire world population. The main contributors to these grim statistics come from countries with hot climates, as well as regions with low levels of sanitation and shortages of drinking water. Residents of these places face dangerous diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis. A disease caused by parasitic worms. Symptoms appear in the tropics and subtropics. In case of complications, they affect the liver, kidneys, bladder fibrosis and infertility. Filariasis. 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 temperate climate, the problem of parasitic infections is not so acute: here the most common are 18-20 parasitic infections, easily treatable and with a favorable prognosis.
Types of parasitic diseases
Diseases caused by protozoan microorganisms are divided into three main categories: infections caused by amoebae, trichomonas and leishmania.
In addition, depending on the stage of the disease, acute and chronic parasitic infections are distinguished, as well as based on the 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 take a look at the most widespread diseases in our country.
Diseases caused by protozoan microorganisms
Giardiasis
The organism becomes infected with intestinal lamblia (Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia), which is transmitted through contact with contaminated fruit and vegetables, water or everyday objects. They adhere to the walls of the small intestine, feeding on leftover food. Symptoms of giardiasis include abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, nausea, vomiting, general weakness, and insomnia.
Amebiasis (amoebic dysentery)
The most common causative agent of this disease is the dysenteric amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. The infection occurs via the fecal-oral route. Microorganisms can survive for a long time on various surfaces, in water, on vegetables, fruit and meat. Typically, amoebiasis presents with severe diarrhea (often mixed with blood and mucus), nausea, and low-grade 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 pus-filled cavity), 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 all residents of our country have encountered this at least once in their lives. Ascariasis is caused by roundworms: roundworms. Askaris eggs can enter the body through dirty hands; they persist for a long time on 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 feels itching in the anus.
Ascariasis
Worm infection is caused by roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides). Their larvae enter the body through fruits and vegetables, as well as through interaction with contaminated soil. A person infected with ascoriosis loses his appetite, his stomach hurts, and nausea appears. With a large number of these parasites, problems may arise with the patency of the intestine or bile ducts, disrupting the digestion process and outflow of bile.
An adult roundworm can reach a length of 25-30 cm
Toxocariasis
The cause of the disease is the nematode Toxocara canis, which is transmitted to humans via the fecal-oral route. In most cases, the infection occurs without symptoms, since the larvae of Toxocara canis do not become adults in the human body. However, by moving through organs and tissues, they can alter their normal functioning. As a result, a person may experience 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 bodies 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 lightly fried or lightly salted fish from the carp family, you can get opisthorchiasis. These fish are often infested with flatworm larvae of the Opisthorchis genus, which damage the bile ducts of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Symptoms of the disease include excessive sweating, allergic rashes, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
Fish delicacies can become sources of parasites
Diseases caused by arthropods
Scabies
One of the most common skin diseases is lice, caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. These mites are transmitted through contact with an infected person, they burrow into the skin, migrate and lay eggs, causing itching and skin rashes. Pediculosis can lead to serious complications associated with the appearance of a secondary infection.
Scabies
Nasty torment on the skin and hair, an infection that often comes from louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). That parasite attacks the host by sucking blood. The saliva of lice, entering the wound from the bite, causes extreme itching. Pediculosis leads to the appearance of eczema and conjunctivitis: scratching the bite places (yes, they can also be in the eyebrow area, in the eyelash line), a person can transfer pathogenic bacteria into the resulting wounds, those that lead to infectious complications. In addition, lice are carriers of an extremely dangerous infection - typhus.
Ordinary hygiene is not a foolproof guarantee against lice infection: they live successfully on both healthy and dirty hair.
Signs of parasitic infestation
Very often, parasitic infections, widespread in our country, very often manifest themselves with minimal symptoms or signs similar to those of 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 in health and weakness. An increase in temperature, the appearance of skin rashes 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 poisonings, intestinal infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
Signs often increase or decrease, making diagnosis difficult. In most cases, parasitic infections are discovered accidentally during preventive examinations or during the diagnosis of other diseases.
Complications due to parasites
Typically, parasitic infections common in our country rarely lead to serious complications. However, with a significant number of parasites in the body, over time a person's health condition can seriously worsen.
The most common complications of parasitic infections:
- obstruction in the intestine 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 polyinfestation, when the child is infected with several types of parasites, for example, enterobiasis in combination with ascariasis or giardiasis. If a child becomes 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 harm to the child's body: its protective functions are disrupted, the child does not feel well, his mood often changes, and his school performance decreases. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo regular testing for parasitosis 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 the presence of parasites, it is important to contact your family doctor, who will be able to evaluate your symptoms, prescribe the necessary tests and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.
It is especially important for children to undergo regular testing for parasitic diseases to avoid possible complications.
If parasites have been present in the body for a long time and have seriously affected health, consultation with specialists in other fields of medicine may be necessary. For example, in the case of echinococcosis, it is often necessary to consult a surgeon to surgically remove the cysts formed by helminths.
Performing laboratory tests to diagnose parasitic diseases
Most parasitic infections can be successfully detected through testing. By studying the composition of the blood it is possible to identify the presence of antibodies that the body produces in response to the invasion of foreign parasites. Examination of feces and smears helps detect eggs and larvae of parasites.
However, it must be kept in mind that parasites have their own development cycle (from egg to adult) and in the early stages of infection the tests may not detect the presence of parasites. To ensure reliable results, it is recommended to perform some tests twice with an interval of 7-10 days.
Methods of treatment of parasitic diseases
When the diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor, he or she prescribes antiparasitic drugs, which are usually taken over several days or weeks. Symptomatic treatment may also be prescribed: antipyretics for fever, drugs for diarrhea and sorbents for gastrointestinal disorders, immunomodulators to maintain immunity.
After completing the course of treatment, repeat tests are recommended to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and complete recovery.
Measures to prevent parasitic diseases
The main reason parasites enter the human body are dirty hands, contaminated water and food. To avoid the development of infections, it is important to respect hygiene rules: wash your hands regularly, clean with water at home, handle fruit and vegetables with care and wear protective gloves when working in the garden. Meat and fish should be boiled, fried or baked until cooked. Undercooked dishes, smoked or lightly salted raw delicacies can become a source of parasites.
To prevent parasitic infections, it is important to observe good hygiene
Everyone, especially children and adolescents, should be tested regularly for the most common parasitic diseases to detect possible illnesses early.
Before traveling to tropical countries, you should consult a doctor and find out 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 lack of experience among doctors.
Home methods to get rid of parasites
Parasites, these unwanted guests in our body, can cause many unpleasant diseases. They can cause allergic reactions, disrupt digestion, and even affect mental status. Fortunately, there are effective ways to control pests right in your home.
One of the most popular methods to eliminate parasites is the use of natural products such as garlic, ginger and nuts. Garlic, thanks to its antiparasitic properties, can help fight parasites and strengthen the immune system. |
Furthermore, you can resort to the use of herbal decoctions and infusions. Plants such as tansy, yarrow and cloves are known for their antiparasitic properties and can help cleanse the body of parasites. |
Don't forget about proper hygiene. Regularly washing your hands before eating, peeling fruit and vegetables before eating and handling meat before cooking are fundamental precautions to 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.
Parasites can cause allergies in travelers to regions with an increased risk of helminth infection.
Protection from parasites while traveling is an important aspect of health, since the possibility of infection can lead not only to a deterioration in general health, but also to the development of allergic reactions.
Protection against parasites while traveling
When we travel, especially to warm countries, it is important to remember the possible danger that parasites can pose. The presence of parasites can negatively affect our health and cause various problems. Therefore, you need to take measures to protect yourself from them.
There are many ways to protect yourself from parasites while traveling. One of the main ones is to monitor the quality of drinking water and food, since parasitic infections are 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 it is necessary to always consult a doctor and take a prophylaxis against malaria, since mosquitoes can be carriers of this dangerous disease. It is also advisable to use insect repellents and disinfect personal hygiene items.
Harm of parasites to women's health
Parasites can seriously harm women's health, causing various problems and complications.
Parasites can lead to digestive disorders, allergic reactions, chronic fatigue, malaise and other unpleasant consequences for the female body.
The fight against parasites in women requires special attention and an integrated approach to avoid serious health consequences.
Question and answer:
What parasitic infections can occur in humans?
To date, more than 300 parasitic infections caused by unicellular organisms, helminth worms, arthropods and other parasites are known.
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 occur with a parasitic infection?
Symptoms of parasitic infections may include gastrointestinal discomfort, weakness, fatigue, weight changes, allergic reactions, itching, and skin irritation.
What precautions can be taken 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 the water and take insect protection measures.
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 a doctor.
What types of parasitic infections can enter the human body?
Today, more than 300 types of parasitic infections are known, caused by unicellular organisms, helminth worms, arthropods and other parasites.
On 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 nutrition and resources for their survival.