Doctors recommend regular blood tests to look for parasites, because even if you follow the hygiene rules, you can not always protect yourself from parasitic infections. . For preventive purposes, this procedure must be performed for both children and adults. The helminth can stay in the human body for more than ten years without showing any symptoms. In order to detect the presence of parasites, it is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Ways of infection
Worms can enter the body in many ways. Doctors define four main roads:
- through the soil, then water (helminths enter the soil with feces);
- from person to person by contact;
- through raw, undercooked meat or fish;
- with insects.
The reproduction of worms in the human body is eliminated. Each type of helminth has a certain lifespan.
An increase in the number of worms in the body occurs only when they are re-infected. To reduce the risk of infection, everyone must practice good hygiene.
Worm infection symptoms
The general sign of worms in the human body is indicated by a marked loss of weight, pale skin, and patients worried about itching anus. But there are other manifestations that are disguised as other diseases.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances. People with anxiety pain, nausea, vomiting. During a live activity, some worms secrete specific substances that cause diarrhea.
- Disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system. The helminths release toxins that can poison the body. In turn, this negatively affects the state of the nervous system.
- Allergic reactions. A person infected with worms can develop a rash on the body.
- Decreased immunity. Due to the body's weak defense, diseases can develop in humans at the same time.
There is an opinion that if a person grits their teeth or snores at night, their body is affected by helminths, but this data has not been scientifically validated.
When there is one or more symptoms listed, the body needs a diagnosis to determine the presence of worms. You will need to do blood tests to look for parasites.
Basic diagnostic methods
There are several main ways to diagnose helminthiasis in a human body.
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Integral analysis is the traditional method of detecting worms. During the study, doctors found the eggs of the worms. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to donate stool again. However, analysis showed not to be a reliable diagnostic method, as the worms may not lay eggs for a long time.
Blood test
A blood test for parasites is a more reliable method and allows you to detect worms in an early stage. All processes that take place in the human body are reflected in the blood. This type of diagnosis helps you not only identify the worms, but also determine its type. When there are worms in the blood, you can find their waste products.
When there are parasites in the body, a large number of eosinophils are found in the blood. Diagnosis will need to be confirmed by additional research methods. There are many types of blood tests, and they can be called differently.
Intestinal worm curettage
To detect pinworms in the body, the doctor appoints intestinal curettage for the patient. During the surgery, your doctor will run a cotton swab up the skin folds near the anus. The resulting sample is sent to the lab for further study. The same process is done with duct tape glued to the folds. The tape is then placed on the glass, glued and removed, and the glass itself is sent to the lab.
Immunoassay blood test
The enzyme-linked immunosorption test is a specific study that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of helminths in children and adults. Using this method, it is possible to detect both small parasites and large parasites. Analysis of this parasite is based on the search for antibodies.
Blood for enzyme immunoassay was taken from a vein. Then it is centrifuged and the serum is examined.
ELISA results provide complete information about the presence of helminths in the body and their type.
The enzyme immunoassay consists of two main components:
Immunological response- ; Reaction of the enzyme
- .
Thanks to the immune response, it is possible to detect the presence of the parasite and find out what kind of worms have settled in the body. The enzyme reaction will allow for more detailed studies of the type of helminths identified and visual measurement of the data obtained.
In response to a foreign object's entry, the body responds by producing antibodies against it.
In case the body is destroyed by worms in the blood, it produces antibodies against the toxin and waste of the worm. This technique is based on the study of these antibodies.
The blood test will take 2-4 days. It can be done in any state clinic. It is also possible to undergo a similar study at private clinics.
What other analyzes are there?
In addition to the enzyme-linked immunosorption assay, the parasite can be identified in other ways.
The following blood tests are used for the study:
- indirect coagulation reaction; Immunofluorescence reaction
- .
Both methods are also used to identify antibodies in serum.
For the diagnosis, you need to donate blood from a vein. Then, she was immediately transferred to the lab. Methods that provide this information can tell the degree of infection with the worms.
How to Prepare for the Test
Should donate blood to find parasites in the morning. It is not advisable to eat anything prior to the procedure - even though the amount of food is negligible, it may still affect the end result of the study.
On the day of the parasite examination, only drinking water is allowed.
In order to get the most reliable results, in addition to these basic rules, before turning your analysis to ELISA, you need to pay attention to the following recommendations.
- Three days before the analysis, you need to stop taking your medication. Let's take only those drugs that are important to the body.
- Before the procedure, do not stress physically or emotionally.
- Alcohol and strong coffee should not be consumed the day before the procedure.
- If antiparasitic therapy is performed the night before the test, it is better to postpone the procedure.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures can affect test results, so two procedures should be skipped before the time of the ELISA blood test.
Exactly conducted analysis showed completely all the parasites contained in the human body.
How to protect yourself from worms
In most cases, worms enter the body through dirty hands, so it is important to observe their hygiene.
Vegetables and fruit purchased from the market must be thoroughly washed. According to the studies done, worm eggs often accumulate on vegetables and fruits.
Be careful when buying meat and fish. It is important to buy only meat that has been vet controlled. Meat and fish should be thoroughly cooked.
If you have animals in your home, always wash your hands after they are gone. Pets should regularly take measures to prevent worms.