Under modern conditions, more than 300 parasitic infections are known. Microorganisms that excite them and helminths penetrate the human body to use its resources, as well as scabies mites and lice living 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 mosquitoes that cause malaria, kills more than 600, 000 people each 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 several times higher.
According to the World Health Organization, 4. 5 billion people suffer from parasitic infections, that is, more than half of the world's population. The main contributors to these sad statistics come from countries with hot climates, as well as regions with low levels of hygiene 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, fibrosis of the bladder and infertility. Filariasis. Infection caused by parasites transmitted through the bite 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 serious: here the most common are between 18 and 20 parasitic infections, 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 amoebae, trichomonas and leishmania.
In addition, depending on the stage of the disease, acute and chronic parasitic infections are distinguished, as well as according to their 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 most common diseases in our country.
Diseases caused by protozoan microorganisms.
giardiasis
The body becomes infected with intestinal lamblia (Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia), which is transmitted by contact with contaminated fruits and vegetables, water or everyday items. They adhere to the walls of the small intestine and feed on food remains. 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 through the fecal-oral route. Microorganisms can survive for a long time on various surfaces, in water, vegetables, fruits and meat. Amebiasis usually manifests as severe diarrhea (often mixed with blood and mucus), nausea, and a mild fever. If 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 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 their life. Ascariasis is caused by intestinal worms - roundworms. Askaris eggs can enter the body through dirty hands; They persist 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 the person often experiences itching in the anus.
ascariasis
Worm infection is caused by intestinal worms (Ascaris lumbricoides). Its larvae enter the body through vegetables and fruits, as well as through interaction with contaminated soil. A person infected with ascoriasis loses appetite, has stomach pain, and nausea appears. With a large number of these parasites, problems may arise with the permeability of the intestines or bile ducts, disrupting the digestion process and the outflow of bile.
An adult worm can reach a length of 25 to 30 cm.
toxocariasis
The cause of the disease is the nematode Toxocara canis, which is transmitted to humans by the fecal-oral route. In most cases, infection occurs without symptoms, since Toxocara canis larvae do not develop into adults in the human body. However, as they move through organs and tissues, they can disrupt their normal functioning. As a result, a person may experience excessive coughing and shortness of breath if the respiratory system is damaged, neurological disorders if the brain is damaged, allergic reactions and anemia. In extreme cases, the infection can cause vision deterioration or complete vision loss.
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 poorly fried or lightly salted fish from the carp family, you can get opisthorchiasis. These fish are often infested with larvae of flatworms of the genus Opisthorchis, 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 mites Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. These mites are transmitted by contact with an infected person, burrow into the skin, migrate and lay eggs, causing itching and rashes. Pediculosis can cause serious complications associated with the appearance of a secondary infection.
Scabies
Terrible pain in the skin and hair, an infection that often arises from the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). This parasite attacks the host by sucking blood. The saliva of the lice, which enters the wound through the bite, 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, on the eyelash line), a person can transfer pathogenic bacteria to the resulting wounds, those that lead to infectious complications. In addition, lice carry 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 infestation
Very often, parasitic infections, which are widespread in our country, most often manifest themselves with minimal symptoms or signs similar to those of intestinal infections and poisoning. A person infected with parasites has worsening appetite, abdominal pain, occasional attacks of nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and general deterioration in health and weakness. An increase in temperature, the appearance of a skin 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 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.
In general, parasitic infections common in our country rarely cause serious complications. However, with a significant number of parasites in the body, over time a person's health status can seriously deteriorate.
The most common complications of parasitic infections:
- obstruction in the intestines and bile ducts,
- abscesses of internal organs,
- septicemia,
- peritonitis,
- intestinal inflammation,
- inflammation of the upper respiratory tract,
- anaphylactic shock.
Parasitic diseases in children.
Between 70 and 90% of cases of parasitic infections affect children and adolescents. This is because children tend to be less hygienic and more active when 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 is infected with one type of worm or protozoan, his or her immunity is weakened, 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 disturbed, the child feels unwell, his mood often changes and his academic performance decreases. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically perform parasitic tests to prevent the most common infections.
What 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 primary care physician, who will be able to evaluate your symptoms, order necessary tests, and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.
It is especially important for children to be regularly screened 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, with echinococcosis, it is often necessary to consult a surgeon to remove cysts formed by helminths through surgery.
Carrying out laboratory tests to diagnose parasitic diseases.
Most parasitic infections can be successfully detected by testing. By studying the composition of the blood, one can 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 taken into account that parasites have their own development cycle (from egg to adult), and in the early stages of infection 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 to 10 days.
Methods of treatment of parasitic diseases.
When a doctor confirms the diagnosis, he or she prescribes antiparasitic medications, which are usually taken over a period of several days to several weeks. Symptomatic treatment can also be prescribed: antipyretics for fever, drugs for diarrhea and absorbents for gastrointestinal disorders, immunomodulators to maintain immunity.
After completing treatment, retesting is recommended to ensure treatment effectiveness and complete recovery.
Measures to prevent parasitic diseases.
The main reason why parasites enter the human body is dirty hands and contaminated water and food. To prevent the development of infections, it is important to follow hygiene rules: wash your hands regularly, carry out wet cleaning in the house, carefully handle fruits and vegetables, and wear protective gloves when working in the garden. Meat and fish should be boiled, fried or baked until cooked. Undercooked dishes, raw smoked dishes or lightly salted delicacies can become a source of parasites.
To prevent parasitic infections it is important to maintain good hygiene.
All people, especially children and adolescents, should be tested regularly for the most common parasitic diseases to help detect possible diseases early.
Before traveling to tropical countries, it is advisable to consult a doctor and learn about measures to prevent exotic parasitic infections, which are rarely found in our country. Treatment of these infections is usually more difficult, complications develop more frequently, and diagnosis is difficult due to doctors' lack of experience.
Home methods to get rid of parasites.
Parasites, these unwanted guests of 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 get rid of parasites is to use natural products such as garlic, ginger, and walnuts. Garlic, due to its antiparasitic properties, can help fight parasites and strengthen the immune system. |
Additionally, 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. Washing your hands regularly before eating, peeling vegetables and fruits before eating, and handling meats 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.
Parasites can cause allergies in travelers who are in regions with a higher risk of helminth infection.
Protection against parasites during travel 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 when traveling.
When we travel, especially to hot 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, it is necessary to take measures to protect against them.
There are many ways to protect yourself from parasites while traveling. One of the main ones is to control the quality of drinking water and food, since parasitic infections are most frequently 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 always necessary to consult a doctor and take malaria prophylaxis, since mosquitoes can be carriers of this dangerous disease. It is also recommended to use insect repellents and disinfect personal hygiene items.
Harm of parasites to women's health.
Parasites can seriously damage women's health, causing various problems and complications.
Parasites can cause digestive disorders, allergic reactions, chronic fatigue, discomfort and other unpleasant consequences for the female organism.
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 single-celled organisms, helminths, 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 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 medications, 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 single-celled organisms, helminths, arthropods and other parasites.
In what 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.