The history of helminthology goes back thousands of years.
The first documents that describe parasites in the human body, classified as roundworms according to the modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.
The term "helminth", which is ubiquitous today, was introduced by Hippocrates.
Since then, information about parasites has been accumulating.
Now there are more than 100 thousand species.
All this variety of helminths are classified as lower worms of the scolecida type (lat. Scolecida).
They are divided into four classes:
- flatworms are a class of cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes);
- roundworms, which include one broad class of nematodes;
- spiny-headed worms;
- annelids.
The human body is parasitized by helminths of the first two types (more than 250 species in total).Helminths spend the main stages of their life cycle in the body of people or animals, which are called hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,their development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the “host”;
- biohelminths,their life activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the development process such worms can change several “hosts”.
There is also a group of so-called contagious helminths.These parasites in the human body can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person; this type includes pinworms and dwarf tapeworms.
The most common nematous helminthic infestations are:
- ascariasis, caused by human roundworm;
- toxocariasis, which occurs when roundworms enter the intestines of animals;
- trichocephalosis, develops due to whipworm infestation;
- enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- hookworm, their appearance is caused by parasitism of the hookworm and necator;
- strongyloidiasis, its cause is intestinal acne;
- trichostrongylidosis caused by parasites of the same name;
- trichinosis caused by one of the four types of Trichinella;
- filariasis, their cause is filariae, also called filaments.
Among cestodiases the following diseases are distinguished:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- teniarinhoz caused by bovine tapeworm;
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipilidiasis caused by parasitism of the canine tapeworm;
- echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcal tapeworm;
- alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.
Of the trematodes, the following helminthiases are often diagnosed:
- fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, its cause is parasitism of the cat fluke;
- clonorchiasis caused by Chinese fluke;
- metagonimiasis, causative agent - metagonimus;
- schistosomiasis (genitourinary, intestinal, Japanese), caused by parasites of the same name.
A separate group includes the so-called protozoal diseases caused by the presence of unicellular protozoa: amoebas, malarial plasmodium, trypanosomes, lamblia, toxoplasma, trichomonas.
The average person has no idea how many parasites they have to deal with every day.These microorganisms are present everywhere: in the soil, sandboxes, railings, common household items, toys, towels in swimming pools, baths and saunas, ponds, on the fur, paws and saliva of pets.However, the transformation of larvae and eggs into sexually mature individuals does not always occur.In the vast majority of cases, in the body of a healthy person, parasites die and are eliminated from the intestines.
However, in the tissues of children, people with immunodeficiency, diseases of the digestive tract, and endocrine system, further transformation of worm larvae into adult males and females occurs.
Their life activity is accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- deficiency of minerals and proteins;
- the formation of an allergic response, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative influence of toxic waste products of helminths.
In addition, almost all parasites mechanically damage various tissues at all stages of their life cycle.The larvae of many worms (strongyloides, schistosomes and others) during their introduction into the body violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.The dwarf tapeworm causes a change in the structure of the epithelium of the small intestine to its deepest layers.With echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, which leads to jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels, and from there into almost any organ.The localization of the main focus of parasite development determines the leading symptoms of the disease.The ingress of helminths in one way or another affects the functioning of all organs and systems: immune, nervous, circulatory, digestive.
The severity of the lesion and clinical symptoms, the method of treatment depends on the type of parasite.Relatively “harmless” pinworms and roundworms in most cases cause disruption of the digestive tract.And entry into the body of protozoa (for example, amoebas) can cause meningoencephalitis, pericardial pathologies and death.Parasites settle in the skin, organs of vision, brain, and muscle tissue.
To remove some helminths, you can use folk remedies (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, taking infusions with celandine, ginger root, tansy and other medicinal plants).But in the presence of severe and massive infestations, herbs, homeopathic drops and herbal supplements cannot be used.To destroy worms, long-term drug therapy is needed, and help in restoring the basic functions of the digestive tract.
The development of helminthiasis can be prevented only by following certain preventive measures.
However, to prevent infection, it is necessary to know the main ways in which parasites appear in the human body:
- Oral through hands, unwashed food, wool, feathers of domestic animals and birds, on which eggs and larvae of parasites are present along with particles of soil.This way you can become infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis, and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as food of thermally unprocessed meat, milk, fish and seafood.This transmission route is typical for trichinosis and taeniasis.
- Contact, for example, through the pores of the skin, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- Transmitted through the blood by insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- Transplacental from mother to fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Considering the realities of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone a visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since medications to get rid of helminthiasis can be purchased without a prescription at every pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.Means for combating parasites are not the same in their therapeutic activity; in addition, different types of worms “require” individual selection of dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you need to contact a specialist.The algorithm of his actions is as follows:
- examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, recent return from exotic countries requires special studies to identify the pest);
- appointment of a general blood test, stool, coprogram;
- blood testing for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- assessment of the condition of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers, and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- identification of possible concomitant diseases that may be contraindications to the prescription of certain medications.
This is important!
Self-treatment of helminthic infestations is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Signs of parasites in the body depending on the site of localization
Tissue damage by helminths is accompanied by numerous pinpoint hemorrhages.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue, and decreased performance.Due to disruption of metabolic processes and absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails, and hair worsens.A person quickly loses weight and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
Also, the life activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts to their appearance accordingly, so if there are parasites in the human body, symptoms of an allergic reaction will certainly be present.Clinical signs of general intoxication also develop, which manifest themselves in the form of malaise, irritability, insomnia, nervous disorders, and deterioration of well-being.
The development of parasitic invasion in the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of severe disturbances in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain about:
- shortness of breath;
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of lack of air;
- feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of an inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by increased body temperature and severe pain in the heart area.
Epidermal helminthiases are relatively rare.As a rule, they develop against the background of damage to the intestines and other internal organs.
Signs of parasites in the body when some worms invade the skin may look like this:
- ulcerations in areas of contact with feces;
- the appearance of an itchy rash;
- swelling and redness, sometimes during the migration of helminths;
- the formation of swellings that resemble wen in appearance;
- the appearance of purulent acne.
Symptoms of parasites entering the eye depend on several factors.If the helminth “lives” under the skin of the eyelid, its movements can be felt or even seen.However, when worms move deeper into the optic nerve system, there is a risk of strabismus, significant visual impairment, and limited visibility.Without proper treatment, the development of helminthiasis in the eye can result in irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.That is why, if parasites appear in the human body, symptoms primarily appear from the digestive system.
The patient usually complains of:
- pain of varying intensity and discomfort in the abdominal area;
- diarrhea, which can be replaced by constipation, this is especially typical in the initial stages of infection;
- admixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the occurrence of painful spasms simultaneously with the urge to defecate;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- flatulence, bloating.
As a result of disruption of the digestive glands, a person constantly feels heaviness in the stomach.In some cases, a ball of roundworms can cause intestinal obstruction.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by disturbances throughout the body.Moreover, such an invasion sometimes does not manifest itself in the form of external symptoms.However, due to the destruction of red blood cells and other formed elements, frequent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness occur, despite compliance with the daily routine, constant weakness, and intolerance to physical activity.
Also, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen changes upward, and body temperature often increases.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign “creature” in the body should not be a reason for panic.Modern medications make it possible to quickly and without any side effects cleanse all organs of helminths and completely restore their functioning.
Human parasites: methods of treatment and prevention
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method has been created to combat worms - bioresonance therapy.The principle of this treatment is based on the laws of physics.According to the theory of the developers of this method, each cell of our body is not motionless in one place, but is in a mode of constant vibration, emitting electromagnetic waves.Their length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from the tissues of our body.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send waves of a given length, which do not affect the functioning of a person’s own cells, but destroy the bodies of parasites.
The advantages of bioresonance therapy include safety and painlessness.However, the clinical effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, and the treatment equipment does not have the appropriate certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any harm and will not cause complications.
There are actually not so many medications used to get rid of helminths and protozoa.The dosage of medications, the regimen and duration of their use are selected by the doctor depending on the patient’s age, the severity of the invasion and the presence of concomitant pathologies.
For relatively mild helminthic infestations, it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes.These products can be easily prepared at home, and the components are sold at any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestines, healers recommend:
- Consume as much onion, garlic, ginger, and pomegranate as possible.
- Buy regular cloves, which are used in cooking.It is ground in a coffee grinder and taken according to the following scheme: on the first day 0.5 g, on the second - 1 g, and from the third to the ninth - 1.5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Pour a tablespoon of crushed and dried nettle roots into a glass of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes.Leave until completely cooled and take 3 tbsp.l.three times a day before meals.
- Mix aloe and onion juice in equal proportions, add honey and take a tablespoon 3 times a day for several weeks.
- Mix 10 tbsp.l.flax seeds and 1 tbsp.l.cloves, grind and take at the rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix grated coconut pulp and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method of preventing human parasites from appearing in the intestines and other tissues is strict adherence to the rules of hygiene, known to everyone from early childhood.This is washing your hands before eating, after visiting the toilet, and returning from a walk.Careful thermal treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish, and cleansing of fresh vegetables and fruits from contaminants is also necessary.
But human parasites appear at every step, so it is almost impossible to avoid meeting them.To prevent severe complications of invasion, it is necessary to strengthen the immune defense and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiases appear, you must consult a doctor, take the prescribed tests and complete the full course of treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.