Parasitic organisms are not something abstract and distant. Many people do not think that they do not live "alone". Entire colonies of microorganisms live on the skin and in the human body. Some of them are dangerous and dangerous, while others are necessary for a healthy life and good functioning of the body. Normal microflora is a shield against the proliferation of pathogens; Beneficial microorganisms help create the necessary acidity of the environment and participate in many chemical processes in the body. In addition to microbes, harmful protozoa or parasitic worms may exist in the human body. When they grow and multiply, they negatively affect human health, suppress the immune system, and disrupt the smooth functioning of all systems. How to identify parasites in the human body if parasite attacks are often asymptomatic? Often a person gets sick and fades, but does not in any way connect this with the presence of parasites.
Symptoms of a dangerous neighborhood
![Parasitic organisms](/images/articles/89/Parasitic%20organisms.jpg)
Parasites in the human body are in most cases small in size; they spend all or part of their life cycle inside the host. Modern science has studied more than three hundred species of parasites that can live in the human body. Once inside, helminths affect the intestines, suppress the immune system, and negatively affect vital organs. With timely detection of parasites and adequate treatment, serious health problems can be avoided: allergies, kidney and liver dysfunction. You can find out if an uninvited guest is present in the body using modern diagnostic methods. There are several symptoms that indirectly indicate an infection. If you pay attention to your health, one should notice new unpleasant changes and not ignore them. The main manifestations of parasitic infection are the following symptoms:
- Weight loss, often this occurs against the background of a decrease in appetite, but often a person notices an increase in appetite, while losing weight.
- The development of anemia occurs due to a massive attack of parasites and, as a result, a lack of nutrients in the human body.
- Indigestion, a person notes frequent diarrhea, which alternates with constipation.
- The development of problems related to damage to the digestive tract.
- Constant discomfort under the ribs on the right side.
- Symptoms of arthritis, which manifests itself in the form of pain in the muscles and joints.
- Deterioration of appearance, skin lesions in the form of rash, redness or peeling are noted.
- An increase in the number of infectious diseases due to decreased immunity.
- Allergic reaction due to poisoning by parasitic waste.
- Deterioration of character, the appearance of irritability, aggressiveness due to the lack of important microelements and vitamins.
- Decreased performance, constant fatigue, sleepiness.
- Sleep disturbances, decreased ability to concentrate.
![One of the symptoms of parasitic infection is sleep disturbance](/images/articles/89/One%20of%20the%20symptoms%20of%20parasitic%20infection%20is%20sleep%20disturbance.jpg)
The mentioned symptoms are present in a large number of diseases, so it is impossible to say 100% that a person is infected with parasites. The diagnosis is made by a specialist after an examination.
How do parasitic infections occur?
A person can become infected with parasites in different ways. Knowing the route of transmission, you can significantly reduce the risk of parasite infection:
Eat vegetables, fruits and less processed vegetables . Most parasites are transmitted to humans through the consumption of poorly processed plant foods. This happens because of the spread of infection from contaminated soil. To protect yourself, it is important to carefully handle vegetables and fruits and wash your hands before eating.Drink dirty water . To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to drink only boiled water. When visiting developing countries, you should only drink bottled water. You should not swim in unknown waters, especially if there is a ban on swimming in certain water sources by the sanitary service.Consumption of semi-raw meat and fish products . There are parasites that are transmitted this way. To protect yourself, it is important to avoid eating less processed meat; eat only products that have a quality certificate and have been tested by the sanitary service. When cooking, you should carefully observe the temperature regime and fry (boil) the product.Contact with an infected person . Some helminthiases are transmitted through household contact. The most popular group infected by sick people are pinworms. Diseases such as cysticercosis are also prevalent. To protect yourself from infection, you need to wash your hands before every meal or after visiting crowded places, and do not eat food prepared by strangers in spontaneous markets or in dubious eateries.Contact with feces or skin parasites of infected animals . To protect yourself, it is important to carefully observe hygiene and systematically treat your pet for fleas.
![Eating fruits that are not properly processed can cause helminth infections](/images/articles/89/Eating%20fruits%20that%20are%20not%20properly%20processed%20can%20cause%20helminth%20infections.jpg)
Diagnostic methods: traditional methods
The classic way to diagnose parasites in the body is stool analysis. Collect them in the morning just before shipping in a glass container with an airtight lid. The maximum possible storage period for feces is no more than ten hours in a cool place. Analysis detects different groups of worms.
The most effective methods are considered to be used in identifying parasites such as:
- roundworms;
- whipworm;
- tape worm;
- tape worm;
- coincidental;
- schistosomes.
The presence of pinworms is diagnosed by itching at night. Scraping is used to diagnose enterobiasis. It is made using special adhesive tape. The effectiveness of this technique is very high, the main thing is to do the procedure correctly. A scraping is taken by a medical specialist before washing the genitals. To get accurate results, it is recommended to retest a few days after the initial collection.
Donating feces is not always effective; some people do not like this simple procedure, since it is very unpleasant. For this reason, it is necessary to know how to detect parasites in other ways.
Diagnostic methods: new options
If you notice the appearance of unusual symptoms, one should visit a specialist and undergo an examination. This will help find the cause of the problem and recognize the type of helminth. There is a set of diagnostic measures that make it possible to accurately identify the presence of parasitic organisms, determine their type, quantity, and location.
Some time ago, the presence of helminths was diagnosed by taking stool samples. The method is simple and painless, but the accuracy is low. Often the results are false negative, and the person continues to suffer from helminthiasis or parasite infestation. To get the most accurate results, you need to pass stool at least ten times a month. Only in this case you can get the right answer. This is due to the characteristics of the life activity and development cycle of the parasite.
![Enzyme immunoassay blood test - a method for diagnosing parasitic infections](/images/articles/89/Enzyme%20immunoassay%20blood%20test%20-%20a%20method%20for%20diagnosing%20parasitic%20infections.jpg)
Modern medicine offers a more accurate way to identify dangerous neighbors in the human body:
X-ray orendoscopy (biopsy) helps identify parasites in internal organs.PCR . A sample of saliva, blood or secretions is taken to determine the DNA of the parasite. The analysis allows us to determine the type (type) of the parasite.Correlated immunosorbent assay allows for the identification of antigens. This technique allows you to get very high results. In addition to identifying parasites, the analysis helps to determine the type of parasite, the number and characteristics of the development of individual pathogens.Bioresonance research . This technique allows you to confirm the presence of parasites in the body, but cannot determine their type, location or number.
Correct treatment when infected
![If you suspect a parasitic infection, seek medical advice](/images/articles/89/If%20you%20suspect%20a%20parasitic%20infection,%20seek%20medical%20advice.jpg)
If a person suspects that he is infected with helminths, he should not start self-medication, he must visit a specialist. The therapist will make a referral to a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist to clarify the diagnosis. Self-medication not only turns out to be ineffective, but can also make the condition worse.
Drugs against parasites are characterized by high toxicity and have specific applications. When diagnosing parasites, doctors prescribe drugs that affect certain types of helminths. Without knowing what organisms coexist with humans, it is forbidden to undergo a course of therapy; taking antiparasitic medication will not affect the problem.
Thanks to the availability of many research methods, it is possible to easily determine not only the type of parasite, but also the location and level of infection of the body. Do not ignore this problem; timely and efficient treatment guarantees recovery without serious consequences for the body.