Over 300 parasitic infections are known in modern conditions. The microorganisms and helminths that cause them invade 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 metabolism, poison the body and destroy tissue and organs. Some parasites pose a deadly threat. For example, more than 600, 000 people die each year from malaria, an infection transmitted by malarial mosquitoes.
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 - more than half of the entire world population. The main culprits for these sad statistics are countries with hot climates and regions with low levels of hygiene and drinking water shortages. The residents of these places face dangerous diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis. A disease caused by parasitic worms. Symptoms occur in the tropics and subtropics. Complications include liver, kidneys, bladder fibrosis and infertility. Filariasis. An infection caused by parasites transmitted through bites from tropical insects. Leads to destruction of the lymphatic system. In our country, as well as in countries with a temperate climate, the problem of parasitic infections is not so acute: here the most common are 18-20 parasitoses, which are easy to treat and have a favorable prognosis.
Types of parasitic diseases
Diseases caused by protozoan microorganisms are divided into three main categories: Amoeba, Trichomonas, and Leishmania infections.
In addition, depending on the stage of the disease, acute and chronic parasitic infections are distinguished, as well as by localization - 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 single-celled microorganisms
Giardiasis
The body becomes infected with intestinal lamblia (Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia), which is transmitted through contact with contaminated fruits and vegetables, water or everyday objects. They attach to the walls of the small intestine and feed on leftover food. Symptoms of giardiasis include abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, nausea, vomiting, general weakness and insomnia.
Amebiasis (amoebic dysentery)
The most common pathogen causing this disease is the dysentery amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. Infection occurs via the fecal-oral route. Microorganisms can survive for a long time on various surfaces, in water, on vegetables, fruits and meat. Typically, amebiasis presents with severe diarrhea (often mixed with blood and mucus), nausea, and 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 (formation of a cavity filled with pus), 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 experienced this at least once in his life. Ascariasis is caused by roundworms - roundworms. Askaris eggs can enter the body through dirty hands; they remain for a long time on food and various objects with which an infected person has come into contact. These parasites cause nausea, abdominal pain, and difficulty sleeping, and a person often feels itching in the anus.
Ascariasis
The worm 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 his appetite, his stomach hurts, and nausea occurs. With a large number of these parasites, problems with the patency of the intestines or bile ducts can occur, disrupting the digestive process and the outflow of bile.
An adult roundworm can reach a length of 25-30 cm
Toxocariosis
The causative agent of the disease is the roundworm Toxocara canis, which is transmitted to humans through the fecal and oral route. In most cases, the infection occurs without symptoms because Toxocara canis larvae do not grow into adults in the human body. However, as they move through organs and tissues, they can disrupt their normal function. As a result, a person may experience unreasonable coughing 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 cause vision deterioration 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. In 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 flatworm larvae of the genus Opisthorchis, which damage the bile ducts in the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Symptoms of the disease include excessive sweating, allergic rashes, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and upper respiratory tract inflammation.
Fish delicacies can become sources of parasites
Diseases caused by arthropods
scabies
One of the most common skin diseases is lice, which is caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. These mites are transmitted through contact with an infected person, burrow into the skin, migrate and lay eggs, causing itching and rashes. Pediculosis can lead to serious complications associated with the occurrence of a secondary infection.
scabies
Miserable pain on the skin and hair, an infection that is often caused by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). This parasite attacks the host by sucking blood. Lice saliva that gets into the wound through the bite causes severe itching. Pediculosis leads to the appearance of eczema and conjunctivitis: scratching the bite sites (yes, they can also be in the eyebrow area, on the eyelash line), a person can transfer pathogenic bacteria into the resulting wounds, which lead to infectious complications. In addition, lice are carriers of an extremely dangerous infection - typhus.
Ordinary hygiene is not an infallible guarantee against infection with lice: they successfully live in both healthy and dirty hair.
Signs of a parasite infestation
Most often, parasitic infections, which are widespread in our country, usually manifest themselves with minimal symptoms or signs similar to intestinal infections and poisoning. A person infected with parasites experiences worsening appetite, abdominal pain, occasional bouts of nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and general deterioration in health and weakness. An increase in temperature, the appearance of a rash and other allergic reactions, iron deficiency anemia and mild disorders of the nervous system (increased excitability, sleep disorders) are also possible.
Parasitic diseases are often confused with poisoning, intestinal infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
Often the signs wax and wane, 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, in our country, common parasitic infections rarely lead to serious complications. However, with a significant number of parasites in the body, a person's health can seriously deteriorate over time.
The most common complications of parasitic infections:
- constipation 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. In children, polyinfestation is often diagnosed when the child is infected with several types of parasites, for example, enterobiasis in combination with ascariasis or giardiasis. When a child is infected with one type of worm or protozoa, their immunity is weakened, making them more susceptible to other types of parasites and infections.
Parasitic infections cause serious damage to the child's body: its protective functions are disrupted, the child feels unwell, his mood changes frequently, and his school performance deteriorates. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out regular tests for parasitosis to prevent the most common infections.
Which specialist treats parasitic diseases?
Signs of a parasitic infection can be confused with the symptoms of a cold, allergy, or intestinal infection. If you suspect the presence of parasites, it is important that you contact your primary care doctor. They can assess your symptoms, order the necessary tests and, if necessary, refer you to a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.
It is particularly important for children to be tested regularly for parasitic diseases in order to avoid possible complications.
If parasites have been present in the body for a long time and have severely affected health, consultation with specialists from other medical fields may be necessary. For example, with echinococcosis it is often necessary to consult a surgeon to surgically remove cysts formed by helminths.
Conducting 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 determine the presence of antibodies that the body produces in response to the invasion of foreign parasites. Examination of feces and swabs helps to 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 that tests in the early stages of infection may not detect the presence of parasites. To ensure reliable results, it is recommended that some tests be performed twice, 7-10 days apart.
Treatment methods for parasitic diseases
If the diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor, he or she will prescribe anti-parasitic medications, usually taken for several days to several weeks. Symptomatic treatment can also be prescribed – antipyretics for fever, drugs for diarrhea and absorbents for gastrointestinal diseases, immunomodulators to maintain immunity.
After treatment is completed, it is recommended that tests be carried out again to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and full recovery.
Measures to prevent parasitic diseases
The main reason for parasites to 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 in the house, handle fruits and vegetables carefully, and wear protective gloves when working in the garden. Meat and fish should be boiled, fried or baked until cooked through. Uncooked dishes, uncooked smoked or lightly salted delicacies can be a source of parasites.
To prevent parasite infections, it is important to practice good hygiene
Everyone, especially children and adolescents, should be tested regularly for the most common parasitic diseases in order to detect possible diseases at an early stage.
Before traveling to tropical countries, you should consult a doctor and find out about measures to prevent exotic parasitic infections that rarely occur in our country. Treatment of such infections is usually more difficult, complications are more common, and diagnosis is difficult due to doctors' lack of experience.
Home remedies to eliminate 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 combat pests right in your home.
One of the most popular methods of parasite control is using natural products such as garlic, ginger and nuts. Garlic can help fight parasites and strengthen the immune system due to its antiparasitic properties. |
You can also use herbal decoctions and infusions. Plants such as tansy, yarrow and cloves are known for their antiparasitic effects 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 meat before cooking are basic precautions to avoid parasite infestation. |
Parasites as triggers of allergic reactions
When the human body is exposed to parasites, allergic reactions to these pathogens can occur.
Parasites can cause allergies in travelers to regions with an increased risk of helminth infection.
Protecting yourself from parasites while traveling is an important aspect of health, as 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 warm countries, it is important to remember the possible danger that parasites can pose. The presence of parasites can have a negative impact on 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 measures is to monitor the quality of drinking water and food, since parasitic infections are most often transmitted through them. It is also worth thinking about the location of the hotel and taking measures to protect against insects and ticks.
When traveling to exotic countries, you should definitely consult a doctor and take malaria prophylaxis, as mosquitoes can be carriers of this dangerous disease. It is also recommended to use insect repellent and disinfect personal hygiene items.
Damage to women's health caused by parasites
Parasites can seriously harm women's health, causing various problems and complications.
Parasites can lead to indigestion, 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 protozoa, helminths, arthropods and other parasites are known.
How do parasites get into 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 parasite infection?
Symptoms of a parasitic infection may include gastrointestinal discomfort, 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 pay attention to hand hygiene, avoid eating raw or undercooked foods, carefully monitor the purity of water, and take measures to protect 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 a doctor.
What types of parasitic infections can enter the human body?
Today, more than 300 types of parasitic infections caused by protozoa, helminths, arthropods and other parasites are known.
Which organs and tissues of the human body can parasites live on?
Parasites can live in the intestines, liver, lungs, blood and other organs and tissues of the human body and use them as a source of food and resources for their survival.