Parasites are constantly present in the human body.These can be both pathogenic worms and amoebae, as well as protozoa that do not cause diseases and sometimes help to cope with bacterial flora.Parasites that feed on the host, injure internal organs and disrupt the functions of vital systems pose a threat to health.
Classification of human parasites
Human parasites can be of several types.Protozoa, arthropods and helminths live mainly inside the body and on its surface.Some organisms are constant companions of humans, others use them as a temporary reservoir to move to the next stage of development.
Real parasites cannot live without a host and die in a free environment.Scythes can sense the same thing in the human body, on the ground, in water, and on surrounding objects.There are also hyperparasites that live inside and live on similar creatures.Depending on the location, parasites are divided into:
- Internal.They are endoparasites that feed on intestinal juices, organic tissues, blood and lymph.
- External.They are called ectoparasites, they live on the body, in the hair and in the folds of the skin.
- Fabric.Their habitat is made up of internal organs (liver, heart, lungs, gallbladder, brain).
- Cavity.These parasites live, feed and reproduce in the intestines and stomach.
- Intracellular or blood.They are usually microscopic in size and found in biological fluids.
Note!
In addition to the general classification, there is an individual division of all types of parasites into species and classes.Protozoa can be represented by ciliates, sarcodes and amoebae.Worms are divided into flukes, tapeworms and roundworms.Arthropods include insects, arachnids and leeches.
What parasites do humans suffer from?
People are also often infected with protozoa and helminths.Insects are diagnosed mainly in socially disadvantaged individuals.Adults, unlike children, can be infected with all known parasites.This is due to the variety of diets and the possibility of travel.Many are misled by the misleading belief that parasitic diseases are primarily diagnosed during childhood.They are actually detected more often at an early age, but adults do not get sick less often than children;their clinical signs of invasion can simply be erased.
Protozoa and their location
These single-celled parasites live in the bodies of adults for decades;they are studied by the science of protozoology.They can cause both specific infections and general illnesses.Active individuals are called trophozoites and usually have flagella for movement.In order to continue their life cycle, protozoa have the ability to enclose themselves in capsules (cysts).These forms are immobile and persist for a long time in the external environment and unfavorable conditions.
Many species of flagellates parasitize adults.They have microscopic sizes and different locations:
- Trichomonas affects the genitourinary system, oral cavity, and prostate in men;
- intestinal balantidia live in the lumen of the large intestine;
- Giardia parasitizes the liver, bile ducts and intestines;
- malaria plasmodia destroy blood cells;
- toxoplasma spreads through the bloodstream to all organs, including the brain;
- trypanosomes attack the brain and cause “sleeping sickness”;
- Leishmania takes hold in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow;
- Dysenteric amoebae live in the large intestine.
All species of protozoan parasites have a similar life cycle, which occurs by transitioning from the vegetative to the cyst stage.Reproduction in single-celled organisms occurs both sexually and asexually.
Note!
Protozoa are true parasites and, at the trophozoite stage, cannot exist without a permanent or intermediate host.
Diseases caused by parasites of the worm class
The presence of round and flatworms is often detected in the body of adults.They differ in size, operating characteristics and the degree of negative impact on organs and systems.
Nematodes
There can be several types of these parasites in humans.They belong to the class of roundworms and resemble a spindle in appearance.The worms feel free in the host's body and in an open environment.Among the common nematode pathogens:
- Roundworm.Lives in the small intestine, measures 20 to 40 cm in length and reproduces sexually.
- Pinworm.A small worm, no more than 12 mm in length.It affects the intestines and can lay up to 15,000 eggs per day.The male dies after mating, the female after the larvae are deposited.
- Hookworm.Lives in the jejunum and duodenum.This parasite found inside a person can suck up to 0.3 ml of blood per day, damaging the intestinal wall with its sharp teeth.
- Whipworm.The worm, up to 5 cm long, lives in the intestines and, thanks to its unique body structure, sucks juices from the thickness of its walls.
- Trichinella.This is an intramuscular parasite up to 4 mm in size that causes the dangerous disease trichinosis in humans.Trichinella looks like a spiral and is a viviparous helminth.
- Guinea worm.This parasite in the human body reaches 1 meter in length and looks like a thin white thread.The location of the Guinea worm can be in the subcutaneous layer of the legs, back or lower abdomen.
- Wired.They enter the body through the bites of infected mosquitoes, midges and horseflies.The habitat of filariae is the entire circulatory and lymphatic system.They block blood vessels in the heart, lungs and other organs, causing obstruction.
- Toxocara.The worm larvae migrate throughout the body and infect the heart, lungs, liver and brain.The size of adult helminths reaches 18 cm.
- Intestinal eel.The causative agent of strongweed lives in the intestines at the mature stage.Eel larvae can spread throughout the human body through the bloodstream.
Important!
The negative impact on the body of roundworms is due to their mechanical and toxic effects.
Trematodes
These are parasites that live in humans and have the second name fluke.There are several types of these flatworms.They cause different diseases, but their structure is similar.All flukes have a leaf-shaped body with two suction cups.Trematodes do not have an anus;digested food is thrown out through the mouth.
Trematode parasites affect the body depending on the location.Liver, lanceolate, and cat flukes affect the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.The lung fluke lives in the lungs, the blood fluke lives in the blood vessels.
Note!
Flukes always have an intermediate host in the form of a variety of molluscs.
Cestodes
This type includes helminths of the class of tapeworms or tapeworms.They have a special structure and resemble a chain of individual fragments (strobilus).Cestodes parasitize the intestines and release large quantities of toxins into the body.
Worms of this class common in adults include:
- Wide band.The largest parasite, measuring up to 15 meters long, absorbs nutrients throughout the body and poisons the body with its toxins.
- Pork tapeworm.It is the causative agent of taeniasis, reaches 3 meters in length and is “armed” with several hooks.
- The bull tapeworm consists of more than a thousand segments and can reach 10 meters.
- Dwarf tapeworm.The size of the worm does not exceed 5 cm;it lives in the human body for about 2 months and then dies.
- Echinococcus and alveococcus.Helminths cause liver and lung diseases and can form larval blisters in internal organs.
Note!
Cestodes are particularly dangerous because of their ability to parasitize in the form of cysticerci.They are encapsulated larvae that are transported to all organs by the bloodstream, causing massive invasion.
External parasites
The most common ectoparasite on the human body is the louse.It lives in the scalp, armpits, groin, beard and even eyelashes and eyebrows.The disease caused by parasites is called pediculosis.Depending on the location, we distinguish between body lice, pubic lice and head lice.You can get rid of insects using external means in the form of shampoos, ointments and solutions.
Important!
The danger of lice lies in their ability to transmit typhus, a serious infectious disease, through saliva.
Symptoms of parasites in the human body
With external insects like lice and fleas, everything is clear;they manifest themselves by local itching and the formation of sores at the bite sites.Internal parasites cause a more varied clinical picture.It depends on the location of the alien organisms, their size and the extent of the invasion.
Hundreds of worms and protozoa of the same or different species can parasitize humans simultaneously.Parasites can live in humans unnoticed for several years and cause no specific symptoms.Common signs of infestation usually include:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- weakness;
- headache;
- changes in appetite towards its increase or decrease;
- anemia for no apparent reason;
- increased nervousness;
- sleep disturbances;
- stomach ache;
- perversion of taste.
In case of liver damage, the clinical picture is supplemented by pain in the right hypochondrium, yellowing of the skin and bitterness in the mouth.Filariasis is manifested by signs of heart and respiratory failure, toxoplasmosis is accompanied by disorders in the functioning of the central nervous system.With trichinosis, muscles are affected.
When the genitourinary system is affected by protozoa, signs of infection in women are manifested by frequent urination, discharge from the vagina and urethra, and itching.In cases of intestinal infestations, symptoms of infection in adults may not appear for years, during which time the parasites multiply and weaken the human immune system, contributing to the development of chronic and systemic diseases.
Symptoms of protozoa in the body often include fever, headache, and allergic reactions.Often, one of the first signs of parasites in the body is a rash on the body and itchy skin.This is due to the human body's response to foreign proteins.
Important!
General signs of the presence of parasites in the body in the early stages can include intestinal infection, dermatitis and digestive disorders.
Why are parasites dangerous?
In humans, parasitic infection can cause various reactions and complications.If the invasion is caused by small helminths, then the risk of complications is quite low.When infected with large species of highly pathogenic worms or protozoa, damage to health can be unpredictable.
In addition to specific diseases, which sometimes have a severe course, foreign individuals cause serious malfunctions of vital systems.The toxins that parasites release into the blood affect the central nervous system and poison the body.Large helminths have a negative mechanical effect on organs.Many doctors believe that such tissue damage leads to oncology and the appearance of tumors.In addition, parasites cause ulcerative lesions of the intestines and stomach, bronchitis and pneumonia, cystitis and pancreatitis, cholecystitis and colitis.
Important!
Sometimes symptoms of large worms in adults can appear in the form of an acute abdomen.This happens when the worms damage the intestinal lining and develop peritonitis.
Sources of possible infection and preventive measures
There are many ways to become infected with parasites.People are exposed to infection every day.By eating undercooked meat and fish, there is a risk of contracting helminths such as fluke and trichinella.If you don't wash your hands or fruits and vegetables enough, you can introduce eggs from pinworms, roundworms, toxocara, and other worms into your mouth.When you visit exotic countries, you can become infected with rare parasites such as Guinea worm, malaria plasmodium and trypanosomes.
Carriers of infection are domestic and wild animals, blood-sucking animals, crustaceans and molluscs, as well as ants.Prevention involves reducing the risk of infection by maintaining hand hygiene and proper heat treatment of meat and fish products.
Important!
Tourism enthusiasts should first study the ways of infection with parasites living in a particular country.
Diagnosis
It is sometimes possible to detect an invasion in the body simply by submitting biological fluids and stools for analysis, as well as by studying the anamnesis.But not all parasites show clinical symptoms and form larvae.Therefore, PCR and ELISA are recognized as the best diagnostic methods.These are immunological tests to detect the DNA of parasites and their antibodies in venous blood.
Computer diagnostics are also popular today, but they only help to establish the fact of infection, without identifying the specific pathogen.Hemoscanning of blood is now also necessary, which is carried out by repeatedly enlarging the biological material.
Duodenal intubation allows you to find out everything about the parasites present in the liver.During the procedure, bile is collected, followed by laboratory analysis.In case of echinococcosis at the stage of blistering in the liver and lungs, the body is diagnosed using ultrasound, MRI and x-ray.Intestinal samples may be seen during colonoscopy.
Important!
Modern techniques make it possible to detect invasion as soon as the first signs of infection appear.Therefore, to avoid the development of complications, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Therapeutic methods
To fight against invasions, they use drug treatments against parasites in the human body, a diet limiting flour, sweets, alcohol, as well as exclusive techniques.A collection of cloves, tansy and wormwood helps fight diseases.The method of drinking sweet tea with cognac (1 tablespoon per glass) on an empty stomach, followed by the use of a laxative, has also proven itself well.
Pharmaceutical drugs against parasites are available in the form of suspensions, tablets, suppositories and solutions for injection.For protozoa, adults are prescribed antiprotozoal drugs.
Parasites should be treated for no more than 5 days.
To eliminate worms such as roundworms with medication, sometimes a single use of anthelmintic tablets is enough.They destroy the worms from the inside, paralyzing their muscular system.It is more difficult to cure a person from fluke, echinococcus and alveococcus.The treatment for the body sometimes lasts up to 6 months.
To get rid of parasites permanently, you need to take medication according to the regimen prescribed by your doctor.
Important!
Self-medication with pharmaceutical drugs is strongly discouraged due to the possible worsening of the condition.Sometimes the first signs of death of the parasite are manifested by the release of toxins into the blood, which requires additional detoxification treatment.
Treatment with folk remedies
If parasites appear in the body and cause specific infections such as malaria, toxoplasmosis or trichomoniasis, treatment with home recipes is out of the question.In these cases, qualified medical assistance is required.
Note!
Traditional medicine can be used for preventive purposes or as auxiliary therapy.
To get rid of infestations, natural remedies based on herbs, flowers and products with a high content of essential oils are used.
You can be treated for parasites:
- wormwood infusion (one tablespoon per liter of boiling water);
- tansy decoction (20 grams of herb per 500 ml of boiling water);
- garlic milk (a head of garlic for 250 ml of hot milk);
- onion porridge (chop two onions and mix with vegetable oil);
- dessert made from pumpkin seeds (mix a glass of pits with half a glass of honey);
- pumpkin puree (steam 1 kg of pulp in the oven for one hour and puree).
Natural remedies should be consumed for at least 10 days, one tablespoon before each full meal.
Parasite Treatment Reviews
- "I feed my whole family with pumpkin seeds. I dry them at room temperature, mix them with jam, condensed milk or honey and serve them with tea. So no one suffers from parasites."
- "My husband had a stomach ache near the navel for a whole year, suffered from nausea, did many tests and found nothing. Recently, a doctor from a paid clinic wrote a prescription for a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, my husband took a tablet and after a week the pain stopped."
- "For prevention purposes, I take an anthelmintic drug every autumn, because at the dacha I sometimes eat vegetables straight from the bush. The suspension is inexpensive, tastes good and is well tolerated."