Parasites are constantly present in the human body.These can help to cope with both pathogenic worms and amoebas and non-disease-causing protozoa and sometimes bacterial flora.A threat to health is caused by parasites feeding on the host, injuring internal organs and disrupting the functions of vital systems.
Classification of human parasites
Human parasites can be of several types.Protozoa, arthropods and helminths mainly live inside and on the surface of the body.Some organisms are permanent companions of humans, others use them as a temporary reservoir for the transition to the next stage of development.
True parasites cannot live without a host and die in a free environment.Liars can feel the same in the human body, soil, water and surrounding objects.There are also hyperparasites that live inside and live on similar organisms.Depending on the location, parasites are divided into:
- Internal.These are endoparasites that feed on intestinal juices, organ tissues, blood and lymph.
- Foreign.They are called ectoparasites, they live in the body, hair and layers of the skin.
- Cloth.Their habitat is internal organs (liver, heart, lungs, gall bladder, brain).
- Gap.These parasites live, feed and reproduce in the intestines and stomach.
- Intracellular or blood.They are generally microscopic in size and found in biological fluids.
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In addition to the general classification, each type of parasite has an individual division into types and classes.Protozoa can be represented by Ciliates, Sarcod and Amoebae.Worms are divided into flukes, tapeworms and roundworms.Arthropods include insects, arachnids, and bloodsuckers.
What parasites do people have?
Humans are equally often infected with protozoa and helminths.Insects are mainly diagnosed in socially disadvantaged individuals.Adults, unlike children, can be infected with all known parasites.This is due to the variety of diets and the opportunity to travel.Many mistakenly believe that parasitic diseases are mainly diagnosed in childhood.They are actually more common at an early age, but adults are less affected than children;Their clinical signs of invasion can simply be removed.
Protozoa and their localization
These single-celled parasites live in the body of adults for decades;They are studied by the science of protozoology.It can cause both specific infections and general diseases.Active individuals are called Traphozoites and usually have flagella for locomotion.Protozoa have the ability to attach themselves to capsules (cysts) to continue their life cycle.These forms are non-mobile and persist in the external environment and for a long time under adverse conditions.
Many flagellate species parasitize adults.They have microscopic sizes and different localizations:
- Trichomonas affects the genitourinary system, oral cavity and prostate gland in men;
- intestinal balantidia live in the lumen of the large intestine;
- Giardia parasitizes the liver, bile ducts and intestines;
- malarial plasmodia destroy blood cells;
- Toxoplasma spreads through the bloodstream to all organs, including the brain;
- Trypanosomes attack the brain and cause "sleeping sickness";
- Leishmania is located in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow;
- Dysenteric amoebas live in the large intestine.
All protozoan species of parasites have a similar life cycle that occurs by changing from the vegetative stage to the cyst stage.In unicellular organisms, reproduction occurs both sexually and asexually.
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Protozoa are true parasites and cannot exist without a permanent or intermediate host in the trophozoite stage.
Diseases caused by parasites of the worm class
The presence of round and flat worms is often detected in the body of adults.It differs in size, operating characteristics and degree of negative impact on organs and systems.
Nematodes
Humans can have several types of these parasites.They belong to the class of round devices and look similar to a spindle.Worms feel free in the host's body and in an open environment.Common nematode pathogens include:
- Ascaris.It 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 larval deposition.
- He built a hookah.It lives in the jejunum and duodenum.This parasite inside a person can produce 0.3 ml of blood per day, it damages the intestinal wall with sharp teeth.
- Whip.The worm, which is up to 5 cm long, lives in the intestines and, thanks to its unique body structure, squeezes water through the thickness of its walls.
- Trichinella.It is an intramuscular parasite of up to 4 mm that causes the dangerous disease trichinosis in humans.Trichinella resembles 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.Guinea worm localization can be in the subcutaneous layer of the legs, back or lower abdomen.
- Filaria.They enter the body through the bites of infected mosquitoes, midges and horseflies.Filariae habitat is the entire circulatory and lymphatic system.The blood vessels of the heart, lungs and other organs are obstructed.
- Tokhocara.The larvae of the worm migrate throughout the body and infect the heart, lungs, liver and brain.The size of adult helminths reaches 18 cm.
- Intestinal.The strengthening agent lives in the intestines during the maturation phase.EEL Larvae can spread throughout the human body in the bloodstream.
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The negative impact on the body of roundworms is due to their mechanical and toxic effects.
The one who doesn't tremble
These are parasites that live in humans and get the second name of fluke.There are several types of these flatworms.They cause different diseases, but are similar in structure.All flukes have a leaf-shaped body with two suckers.Tremtoids have no anus;Digested food is expelled from the mouth.
Trematode parasites affect the body depending on the location.Liver, licolate and cat flukes affect the liver, gall bladder and bile ducts.Lung fluke lives in lungs, blood fluke lives in blood vessels.
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Flukes always have an intermediate host in the form of various mollusks.
Cestodes
This type includes tapeworms or helminths from the class of tapeworms.They have a special structure and resemble a chain of individual fragments (strobilus).Cestodes parasitize the intestines and release large amounts of toxins into the body.
Common worms of this class in adults include:
- Wide tape.The largest parasite, up to 15 meters long, absorbs nutrients throughout the body and poisons the body with toxins.
- Pork tapeworm.This is the causative agent of Taeniasis, reaches 3 meters in length and is "armed" with several hooks.
- Bull Tapeworm consists of more than a thousand segments and grows up to 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 disease and can form larval blisters in internal organs.
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Cestodes are particularly dangerous due to their ability to parasitize in the form of cysticerci.These are encapsulated larvae that are carried to all organs in the bloodstream causing a massive invasion.
External parasites
This is the most common ectoparasite living in the human body.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, body, pubic and head louse are distinguished.You can get rid of bugs using external means in the form of shampoos, ointments and solutions.
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The danger of lice is their ability to transmit Typhus, a highly contagious disease, through saliva.
Symptoms of parasites in the human body
With external insects such as lice and fleas, everything is clear;They manifest themselves as local itching and the formation of wounds at the bite sites.Internal parasites create a more diverse clinical picture.It depends on the localization of foreign organisms, their size and scale of invasion.
Hundreds of worms and protozoa of the same or different species can parasitize humans at the same time.Parasites can live in humans for several years and do not cause any symptoms.Common symptoms of infection are usually:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- weakness;
- headache;
- changes in appetite in the direction of increase or decrease;
- anemia for no reason;
- Nervousness grew;
- Sleep disorders;
- stomach pain;
- perversion of taste.
With liver damage, the clinical picture is complemented by pain in the right hypochondrium, pain in the mouth and bitterness.Filariasis manifests itself with symptoms of heart and respiratory failure, toxoplasmosis is accompanied by disturbances in the activity of the central nervous system.Muscles are affected by trichinosis.
When the genitourinary system is affected by Protozoa, the symptoms of infection in women are often manifested by urine, discharge from the vagina and urethra, and itching.With intestinal infection, the signs of infection in adults may not appear for years, during which time the parasites multiply and weaken the human immune system, which contributes to the development of chronic and systemic diseases.
Symptoms of the presence 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 related to the human body's response to foreign proteins.
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In the first stages, common symptoms of the presence of parasites in the body may resemble intestinal infection, dermatitis and digestive disorders.
Why are parasites dangerous?
In humans, infection with parasites can cause various reactions and complications.If the invasion is caused by small helminths, the risk of complications is quite small.When infected with large worm species or highly pathogenic protozoa, health damage can be unpredictable.
Sometimes, in addition to special diseases with a severe course, foreign people cause serious dysfunctions of vital systems.The toxins that the parasite releases 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 this type of tissue damage causes oncology and tumors.In addition, parasites cause ulcerative lesions of the intestines, stomach, bronchitis and pneumonia, cystitis and pancreatitis, cholecystitis and colitis.
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Sometimes, symptoms of large worms in adults can manifest themselves in the form of acute abdomen.This happens when the worms damage the intestinal lining and develop peritonitis.
Possible sources of infection and preventive measures
There are many ways to get infected with parasites.People get infected every day.When you overcook 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 the eggs of pinworms, roundworms, toxocara and other worms into your mouth.When visiting exotic countries, you can get infected with rare parasites such as Guinea worms, malarial plasmodium and trypanosomes.
Carriers of infection are domestic and wild animals, blood-sucking animals, crustaceans and mollusks, as well as ants.Prevention consists in reducing the risk of infection by hand hygiene and proper heat treatment of meat and fish products.
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Tourism enthusiasts should first learn the ways of infection by parasites living in a certain country.
Diagnostics
Sometimes it is possible to determine an invasion in the body simply by presenting biological fluids and feces, as well as studying the anamnesis.However, not all parasites show clinical symptoms and produce larvae.Therefore, PCR and Elisa are recognized as the best diagnostic methods.These are immunological tests that can detect the DNA of parasites and antibodies to them in venous blood.
Computer diagnostics are also popular now, but they only help to establish the fact of infection without identifying the specific pathogen.Blood hemocentesis, which is carried out by growing biological material, is also required.
Duodenal Intubation helps to learn everything about parasites in the liver.During the procedure, the bile was followed by a laboratory test.In case of echinococcosis at the stage of formation of blisters in the liver and lungs, the body is diagnosed using ultrasound, MRI and X-ray.Bowel samples can be seen during a colonoscopy.
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Modern techniques make it possible to detect invasion when the first signs of infection appear, so you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to prevent the development of complications.
Therapy methods
In order to fight against the temptations, from the drug treatment of the parasites in the human body, flour, sweets, alcohol, alcohol, and also limit the property methods.A collection with clives, tansy and wormwood helps against diseases.The method based on drinking sweet tea with cognac on an empty stomach, the use of laxatives on an empty stomach has also proven itself.
Pharmacy drugs for parasites are available in the form of suspensions, tablets, suppositories and injectable solutions.Adults are prescribed antiprotozoal drugs for protozoa.
Parasites should be treated for up to 5 days.
Sometimes one use of anthelmintic tablets is enough to remove worms such as roundworms with medication.It destroys the worms inside and paralyzes the muscle systems.It is more difficult to treat a person from flukes, Echinococci and Alveococci.The course of treatment for the body sometimes lasts up to 6 months.
To get rid of parasites forever, you need to take medication according to the regimen prescribed by your doctor.
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Self-medication with pharmaceutical drugs is not recommended due to possible worsening of the condition.Sometimes the first signs of the parasite's death are the release of toxins that require additional detoxification therapy.
Treatment with folk remedies
Parasites that cause specific infections such as malaria, toxoplasmosis or trichomoniasis, treatment with home recipes is in question.In these cases, qualified medical assistance is required.
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Traditional medicine can be used for preventive purposes or as an adjuvant therapy.
To get rid of infestations, natural medicines based on herbs, flowers and products, products with essential oils are used.
Treatment for parasites can be:
- wormwood infusion (one tablespoon per liter of boiling water);
- tansy decoction (20 grams of herb in 500 ml of boiling water);
- garlic milk (head of garlic for 250 ml of hot milk);
- onion porridge (chop two onions and mix with vegetable oil);
- pumpkin seed dessert (mix a cup of seeds with half a cup of honey);
- Pumpkin Puree (steam 1 kg of pulp in the oven for an hour and puree).
Natural remedies should be consumed for at least 10 days, one tablespoon before each full meal.
Reviews about the treatment of parasites
- "I feed the whole family pumpkin seeds. I dry them at room temperature, mix them with any kind of jam, condensed milk or honey. As a result, no one suffers from parasites."
- "My husband has had a stomach ache near the navel for a year, so far he has taken tests and found nothing.
- "For the purpose of prevention, I take an anthelmintic drug every autumn, because at the dacha I sometimes eat vegetables directly. Vine is cheap, tasty and well tolerated."