As you know, parasites are considered the most resistant organisms to the external environment. To date, about 250 species are recognized as helminths capable of infecting humans. All of them pose a threat to the health and, in more serious cases, the lives of those infected. Knowledge of the types of helminths in man and their characteristics greatly facilitates treatment and helps to outline an effective preventive plan.
What kind of worms do humans have?
It takes a long time to become fully familiar with the types of worms. The fact is that, until now, scientists have not been able to provide the most detailed information on the classification of parasites. This is largely due to the fact that a given area is characterized by the presence of specific helminthic invasions. In this regard, it is almost impossible to obtain data on all types of human helminths on Earth.
Thus, worms, most frequently diagnosed in the south, hardly occur in the population of the northern geographical regions. For the temperate climatic zone and mid-latitudes, about 20 varieties of worms are recognized as the most common. They can be conditionally divided into 3 main categories:
- Round parasitic worms (nematodes).
- Tape helminths (cestodes).
- Flat worms (trematodes).
1. Round and flat helminths
Each of the groups above includes a wide variety of parasitic organisms that require a brief description. In children and adults, most of the time it is necessary to treat such representatives of worms belonging to the class of trematodes:
- Chinese chance;
- chance of the cat;
- liver worm.
Among nematodes, there are 7 of the most well-known and common parasite species that inhabit the body at any age. The worms that are transmitted by all possible means are:
- pinworms;
- roundworm; intestinal acne;
- whipworm;
- Trichinella;
- tri-estrongilides;
- hookworms.
2. Cestode invasions
Tapeworms (or cestodes) are parasitic worms that pose the greatest threat to the body. The diagnosis of such helminthic infestations occurs much less frequently than infections with round parasites in children and adults; however, infection with the following types of worms is fraught with the most serious consequences:
- bullish tapeworm;
- dwarf tapeworm;
- pig tapeworm; wide tape
- ;
- echinococcus;
- mouse tapeworm.
One of the rarest types of helminthic invasion is the acanthocephalus. This includes the giant ridge and the beaded ridge. These worms are able to enter the body in the rarest cases, for example, when eating an insect or its parasite-infected larva.
Why are worms dangerous to humans?
To properly assess the degree of threat to the patient's health in the event of a helminth settlement, it is first necessary to determine what types of worms they belong to. Depending on the type of worms, treatment and duration are determined. The main damage from the presence of parasites in the body is felt by the intestines - the predominant part of all helminths is located in this organ. All the nutrients that must be absorbed and benefit a person are selected by the worms.
Meanwhile, other types of worms don't just settle in the intestines and "steal" all of the valuable microelements from humans. They actively multiply and affect other vital human organs and systems. In addition to the heart muscle, liver and lungs, worms can cause huge damage to the brain and blood vessels. Worms can even infect the eyes.
Main forms of worm infection
You can protect yourself and your loved ones from the beginning of the disease if you know how the helminths of a specific species enter the body. This is the only way to take all necessary measures in a timely manner and to minimize the risk of infection. It is known about the main transmission routes that:
- Infection occurs through soil and water. When walking on the bare floor, the risk of laying eggs inside increases several times. An unverified source of drink and, in common cases, even water from a common water supply can contain worms.
- Helminth eggs enter the body along with animal products. The result of helminthic invasions is the insufficient or low quality processing of meat, fish, seafood and eggs. People who prefer exotic Asian cuisine are at risk of contracting worms. He, sushi, sashimi are based on raw fish and meat.
- Some types of parasites can settle in the intestine, entering it along with unwashed fruits and vegetables. Refusing animal products does not solve the problem of the likelihood of developing helminthiasis. Worm eggs, as mentioned, can be found in the soil. It is recommended to pour boiling water over the fruits before using.
- The worms are transmitted to humans and animals. Pets do not always become a source of infection for their owners. However, worms can be found both inside the animal and in its fur. From dogs and cats, the parasites' eggs fall to the ground, spreading even more with melted water.
Transmission of parasites from sick people
Worms can also move from one infected person to another. There are several ways of transmitting helminthic invasions:
- for dirty hands (for example, when shaking hands, hugging);
- when using common utensils;
- when wearing someone else's underwear;
- group application of personal care products by several people.
Pinworm eggs usually pass from person to person, falling under the nail plates, remaining there for a long time. The prevalence of this type of worms in children is explained by the disregard for elementary cleaning rules. A child can simply put his hands in his mouth or bite his nails, so that the worms have no difficulty penetrating the new human body. The task of parents at this stage is to recognize the signs of helminthiasis in a timely manner and prevent the development of helminthic invasions in their baby, immediately beginning treatment of the disease.
Symptoms of the acute phase of helminthiasis
It is not easy to detect the first signs of a parasitic infection in an adult or child. The diagnosis of the presence of worms is complicated by the fact that the incubation period in some species can last up to a year and a half.
As a rule, the first symptoms of worm infestation appear after several periods. In addition, helminthiasis can be conditionally divided into 2 stages:
- acute stage (lasts on average no more than two months after the incubation period); chronic
- (characterized by the development of sexually mature parasites and can last for decades).
In the acute phase of the invasion, the main symptom clearly expressed can be called an allergic reaction. Due to the production of antibodies in the migration of parasitic larvae, pathological manifestations in the skin should be alerted. An indicator of infection by any type of worms in humans are the following symptoms:
- hyperemia of the skin;
- burning and itching sensation;
- small skin rashes on the surface of the epidermis or mucous membranes;
- slight increase in lymph nodes; local
- edema;
- pain in the sternum (even suffocation attacks);
- persistent vomiting and nausea;
- diarrhea or constipation.
In addition, dangerous pathologies such as pneumonia, meningoencephalitis and hepatitis can become complications of the appearance of other creatures in the body.
A reliable confirmation of the presence of helminths in Organs internal organs is the eosinophil index in the clinical blood test. The increased value of these particles is caused by dysproteinemia - a violation of the normal numerical ratio between protein fractions.
Types of symptoms in the chronic form of the disease
Signs of chronic helminthiasis in humans are predetermined by the location of parasite colonization. In simple words: the manifestations of the disease will depend on which organ will become the main habitat for a certain type of worm.
In particular, the most common parasitism in the worms' intestines can even go on without the slightest symptoms. If larger species are affected by worms, the signs of the disease will become noticeable as soon as the worms reach puberty. Dyspeptic disorders in an adult and a child, painful syndrome and neurotic manifestations are its characteristic features. Ascariasis is often characterized by the development of intestinal obstruction and pancreatitis, and the risk of oncological diseases is increased.
Medicines against parasites
It is necessary to undergo helminthiasis treatment as soon as possible. An effective therapy will be to know exactly what type of parasite has installed itself in the body before starting it. There are many anthelmintic drugs today.
These are different types of drugs that can target a specific type of worm. Stronger anti-worms are broad-spectrum drugs and are excellent for treating combined helminthiasis. Both are considered toxic, have many side effects and contraindications. The use of such drugs should be performed with extreme caution only after medical advice.
Most types of worms in an adult take a long time and are persistent. Parasitologists often prescribe the simultaneous administration of various anthelmintic drugs.
The schedule and dosage of a given medicine must be established exclusively by a specialist. This will help to prevent allergies and serious side effects. For some types of helminth infection, treatment must be repeated. This is often due to the fact that during the first therapy most adult worms were neutralized, but some forms of larvae and worm eggs still remain in the patient's body. If not treated again, the worms will return.
Basic preventive measures
Drug therapy is undoubtedly an important part of the process of eliminating and, in some cases, preventing parasites. However, to deal with invasive worms, you must follow the simplest rules for preventing worms. Treatment will not work if you ignore the following rules:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
- If it is not possible to clean the skin of the hands with soap, it is advisable to use antibacterial wipes.
- All foods must be rinsed thoroughly before cooking.
- It is important to expose meat and fish to prolonged exposure to heat.
- Use only water from reliable sources for drinking.
- At least once a year, testing for worms is extremely important.