The history of helminthology dates back thousands of years.
The first documents describing parasites in the human body, classified as nematodes according to modern classification, date back to the 6th century BC.
The term "helminth", 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 (trematodes);
- roundworms, which include a 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 bodies of people or animals, which they call hosts.
All parasites are divided into two large groups:
- geohelminths,Its development begins in the external environment and ends in the tissues of the “host”;
- biohelminths,Their vital activity occurs only in living organisms, and during the process of development these 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 helminth infestations are:
- ascariasis, caused by human worms;
- toxocariasis, which occurs when nematodes enter the intestines of animals;
- Trichocephalosis, develops due to a whipworm infestation;
- enterobiasis caused by pinworms;
- hookworm, its appearance is caused by the parasitism of 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, its cause is filariae, also called filaments.
Among cestodiasis, the following diseases are distinguished:
- diphyllobothriasis, causative agent - broad tapeworm;
- taeniarinhoz caused by bovine tapeworm;
- taeniasis or cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm;
- hymenolepidosis, causative agent - dwarf tapeworm;
- dipylydiasis caused by canine tapeworm parasitism;
- echinococcosis, the cause of the disease is echinococcus or echinococcus tapeworm;
- alveococcosis, causative agent - alveococcus.
Of trematodes, the following helminthiases are often diagnosed:
- fascioliasis, causative agent - Fasciola vulgaris;
- opisthorchiasis, its cause is the 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 protozoan 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 each 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, the 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.
His vital activity is accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- vitamin deficiency;
- mineral and protein deficiency;
- the formation of an allergic response, which is fraught with the development of autoimmune processes;
- negative influence of toxic waste products of helminths.
Furthermore, 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.In echinococcosis and alveococcosis, when the larvae grow, mechanical compression of the surrounding tissues, usually the liver, occurs, causing jaundice.
The gastrointestinal tract is actively washed with blood.Through its walls, worms enter the main blood vessels and from there to almost any organ.The location of the main focus of development of the parasite determines the main symptoms of the disease.The entry 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 treatment method depends on the type of parasite.Relatively “harmless” pinworms and roundworms in most cases cause disturbances in the digestive tract.And the 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 eliminate some helminths, folk remedies can be used (pumpkin seeds, cleansing enemas with garlic and soda, 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 the worms, long-term drug therapy is needed and help restore the basic functions of the digestive tract.
The development of helminthiasis can only be prevented 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, dirty food, wool, feathers of domestic animals and birds, in which eggs and larvae of parasites are found along with particles of soil.In this way you can become infected with ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis.
- Xenotrophic when consumed as a food of meat, milk, fish and shellfish without thermally processing.This route of transmission is typical of trichinosis and taeniasis.
- On contact, for example, through the pores of the skin, schistosomes enter the body (they live in hot climates).
- It is transmitted through the blood by insect bites (for example, filariasis).
- Transplacental from the mother to the fetus, this is how toxoplasmosis is transmitted.
Taking into account the realities of modern domestic medicine, they try to postpone a visit to the doctor until the last minute, especially since drugs to get rid of helminthiasis can be purchased without a prescription in every pharmacy.But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.The means to combat parasites are not the same in their therapeutic activity;In addition, different types of worms "require" individual selection of the dosage and duration of treatment.
Therefore, if you suspect that there are parasites in the human body, you should consult a specialist.The algorithm of its actions is as follows:
- examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis (for example, a recent return from exotic countries requires special studies to identify the plague);
- appointment of a general blood test, feces, coprogram;
- blood test for the presence of specific antibodies, this analysis will accurately determine the causative agent of the disease;
- assessment of the state of internal organs, the presence of abscesses, ulcers and necrotic areas caused by parasites;
- identification of possible concomitant diseases that may be contraindications for 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 location.
Tissue damage from helminths is accompanied by numerous punctual hemorrhages.This causes anemia, weakness, fatigue and decreased performance.Due to disruption of metabolic processes and the absorption of vitamins and minerals, the condition of the skin, nails and hair worsens.A person loses weight quickly and suffers from frequent viral and infectious diseases.
In addition, the vital activity of most pathogenic microorganisms occurs with the release of toxins.The immune system reacts accordingly to their appearance, so if there are parasites in the human body, symptoms of an allergic reaction will surely occur.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 a parasitic invasion into the tissues of the human heart occurs against the background of serious disturbances in the functioning of the myocardium.
Patients complain of:
- difficulty breathing;
- change in heart rate;
- feeling of shortness of breath;
- Feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the chest.
The addition of an inflammatory process can cause pericarditis or myocarditis.These diseases are accompanied by an increase in 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 helminth migration;
- the formation of swellings that look like wen;
- the appearance of purulent acne.
The 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 the 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 lead to irreversible blindness.
The gastrointestinal tract is the habitat of the vast majority of helminths.Therefore, if parasites appear in the human body, the symptoms appear mainly in 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;
- mixture of mucus and blood in the stool;
- the appearance of painful spasms simultaneously with the need 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 intestinal worms can cause an intestinal blockage.
The penetration of worms into the hematopoietic system is accompanied by changes throughout the body.Furthermore, this 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.
In addition, signs of parasites in the body in the circulatory system are accompanied by enlargement of lymph nodes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.The size of the liver and spleen increases and body temperature often increases.
Doctors emphasize that the discovery of a foreign "creature" in the body should not be a cause for panic.Modern medications make it possible to quickly and without side effects cleanse all organs of helminths and completely restore their functioning.
Human parasites: treatment and prevention methods.
Relatively recently, some private clinics announced that a new safe method of combating worms had been created - 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 in our body is not motionless in one place, but is in a constant vibration mode, emitting electromagnetic waves.Its length is individual for each internal organ.
Human parasites are no exception, but the resonance of their movements is different from that of the tissues of our body.During a bioresonance therapy session, metal electrodes are applied to certain biologically active points.They send waves of a certain length that do not affect the functioning of the person's own cells, but destroy the bodies of the 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 team does not have the corresponding certificates.But exposure to electromagnetic waves will not cause any damage or complications.
In reality, not as many medications are used to eliminate helminths and protozoa.The dosage of drugs, 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 in any pharmacy.
To expel helminths from the intestines, healers recommend:
- Eat 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: the first day 0.5 g, the second - 1 g and 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 cool and take 3 tablespoons.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, crush and take at the rate of 2.5 g of powder per 1 kg of body weight.
- Mix the grated coconut meat and coconut milk.Use this mixture 1 tsp.three times a day on an empty stomach.
Almost the only method to prevent the appearance of human parasites in the intestines and other tissues is strict compliance with the rules of hygiene, known to everyone from early childhood.It involves washing your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom and when returning from a walk.Careful heat treatment of drinking water, milk, meat, fish and cleaning of contaminants from fresh vegetables and fruits is also necessary.
But human parasites appear at every turn, making it almost impossible to avoid encountering them.To prevent serious complications from invasion, it is necessary to strengthen immune defenses and monitor the condition of the digestive tract.When the first symptoms of helminthiasis appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor, carry out the prescribed tests and complete the full treatment with mandatory monitoring of its effectiveness.