A variety of parasites can live in humans. It can be not only multicellular and protozoan, but also viruses, bacteria, fungi. They parasitize at the expense of the human body. Harmful microorganisms can live not only in the intestines, but also in the muscles, blood, etc. With parasites, you need to start fighting as soon as possible. Otherwise, complications cannot be avoided.
Varieties of parasites
There are many parasitic organisms that thrive in the human body. They all have specific characteristics.
Roundworms
Roundworms or nematodes include about 1000 subspecies in their group. The most famous representatives are the moth, Trichinella, toxocara, hookworm, nekator, as well as the roundworm. They enter the body through the mouth or skin. The main representatives of roundworms are described in the table.
| Parasite | Description |
| Pinworms | This is a round worm that does not exceed 2 to 12 mm in length. Women are generally older. These representatives parasitize the large intestine and the large intestine. Adult females lay eggs in the perianal region. Most of the time, these representatives are found in children. The eggs fall into the patient's hands when scratching the anus, which itches in the presence of these parasites. Itching is one of the first symptoms. |
| Triquinela | Trichinella is a nematode. Pests enter the body along with poorly processed meat. After they enter the body, their complete intoxication begins. When neglected, parasites can be fatal in humans. |
| Toxocars | This parasite often lives on animals, including cattle. Young children are highly susceptible to toxocariosis. The parasite multiplies very quickly, so treatment must be started immediately. |
| Hookworms | It is believed that every 4 people on the planet are carriers of this parasite. An adult can live in the host's body for 8 years. With appropriate and timely treatment, 95% of 100 patients can be cured from hookworm. The parasite enters the body along with the contaminated soil. |
| Nekator | These representatives are small. Its length reaches 2 cm, and the female pest lays up to 10, 000 eggs per day. The larvae of the parasites enter the external environment together with the faeces. |
| Ascaris | Roundworms can grow up to 35 cm in length. First, the parasite develops in the small intestine and then spreads throughout the body. For individuals to become sexually mature, it is necessary to re-enter the body. |
After the worms enter the human body, the process of developing pathological symptoms begins. The intestinal walls become inflamed and, therefore, the functioning of the digestive system is impaired. Parasites in the body are a serious threat. They absorb some of the nutrients.
Tapeworms
The tapeworms or cestodes present in the body cause cestodes. Adults are found only in the intestines. Larvae are able to spread throughout the body. A person can be infected with the following worms:
- Wide ribbon. This is the longest helminth in the world. It is capable of growing up to 15-17 meters. The broad tapeworm causes significant damage to the human body. Ulcers form at the site of their fixation.
- Bull tapeworm. This is another important parasite that negatively affects human health. It is most frequently located in the small intestine. The infection occurs when eating contaminated meat that has been poorly processed thermally.
- Pig tapeworm. The tapeworm can grow up to several meters in length. Pests can be carried by wild and domestic pigs.
- Echinococcus. The eggs enter the environment along with the fecal matter. Infection usually occurs when personal hygiene is not followed.
- Alveococcus. The parasite grows in length up to 2, 2 mm. Infection occurs through food contaminated with contaminated feces.
The pathology is manifested mainly by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. A disturbance of nerve activity appears. A person's well-being is constantly deteriorating.
Worms Fluke
Flukes are flatworms. These are some of the most dangerous representatives. Almost all worms parasitize the owner's body. Only at a certain stage of development do they change ownership.
Change of host eliminates possible overpopulation in the host's body. The most common worms representatives include:
- Siberian chance. The infection occurs when eating fish that have undergone insufficient heat treatment. It is in the human fecal masses that the eggs of this pest are found. The parasite grows in length up to 13 mm. The body is almost completely transparent.
- Liver worm. A parasite capable of infecting animals and humans. An adult grows up to a maximum of 8 cm. Infection is possible with the use of dirty plants, in which the paw is already located in its intermediate form. There is also a risk of water contamination.
- Shistosoma. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can cause the patient to suddenly die. Only 6 varieties of this parasite are dangerous to humans. The microorganism can be located in the blood vessels, bladder. The infection usually occurs when swimming in fresh water.
- Clonorhis. People who work in public food are susceptible to infection. Clonorchis occurs most often in men over 35 years old. They are at risk. The parasite's eggs are excreted in the faeces.
Most of the time, parasites enter the body when eating raw or undercooked fish. Another common option is the presence of poorly washed vegetables and fruits in the diet.
Trematodes
This is a type of flatworm. Its main characteristic is the presence of suction cups. Trematodes include:
- Opisthorchiasis. The source of infection is raw or undercooked fish. The symptoms are nonspecific, so it is difficult to diagnose the disease. The result is generally unfavorable.
- Fascioliasis. When infected, the liver and biliary system are damaged. A characteristic sign of human infection is a marked increase in body temperature of up to 39-40 degrees.
- Dichrocelliosis. Helminthiasis, the causative agent of which is lanceolated fasciole. With pathology, the liver and gallbladder are further damaged.
The parasite is widespread around the world and poses a serious threat to livestock and humans.
Protozoans
The simplest parasites are single-celled pests. Some of the representatives are the oldest inhabitants of the Earth. Parasites successfully adapt to new conditions and reproduce due to their simple structure. The pest can live both on the skin and directly on the human body.
The movement of single-celled organisms can be performed with the help of cilia, flagella, pseudopods. These types of parasites include:
- Flagellated. They have an oval or pear-shaped body. The main difference is the presence of flagella. Your number can be 1-8. The parasite sucks food across the body's surface. Infection can occur through insect bites, violation of personal hygiene rules, as well as promiscuous sexual activity.
- Sporoviks. They are able to live in different human organs. Nutrition, respiration and release of waste are carried out over the entire body surface of the pest.
- Infusorium. These are ciliary or sucking parasites. They live in fresh, soil water.
- Sarcode. The parasite consists of a cell. Some species of sarcode are able to live on human teeth if hygiene is inadequate.
Single-celled organisms can cause several dangerous diseases, including malaria, amoebiasis, giardiasis, etc. Infection is possible by home contact method, fecal-oral, by contaminated products, as well as by transmissible method.
Protozoan - infections caused by the activity of the simplest microorganisms in humans. Animals are also susceptible to pathologies. The pathologies they cause also include yeast infections.
In most cases, protozoan organisms reach humans from animals. In addition, entry is possible through water, soil and from person to person.
Ectoparasites
Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the surface of the body and on external organs. They can be a cause of skin diseases. In addition, ectoparasites carry several infections.
The group of ectoparasites includes:
- Lice. It is a blood-sucking parasite. The oral organ pierces human skin with ease. If necessary, lice can withstand fasting for several days. Head lice can be head and body lice. Lice are a serious threat as they can transmit infectious diseases.
- Bloch. These are temporary ectoparasites. Passed from person to animal and vice versa. Provides severe bite discomfort.
- Ixodid ticks. Unlike other ectoparasites, ticks are easy to get rid of. For this, vegetable oil or paraffin is used. The main thing is to remove the extracted tick for examination. This will help to ensure that he is not a carrier of infection
Most of the time, ectoparasites infect animals, but human infection is also possible, for example, ticks or lice. Plagues feed on blood. They have a high reproduction rate.
Helminths
At the moment, experts have identified 280 types of worms. They are all capable of living and developing in the human body. It is a mistake to think that helminthiasis occurs only in people from disadvantaged families. Worms can occur even in wealthy people who carefully monitor their hygiene.
Helminths can be infected in several ways. Parasites can be transmitted from animals, from person to person and through contact with contaminated land. Most of the time, worms appear in children. This is due to the failure to comply with preventive measures.
The first symptoms may not appear immediately. They can appear after 2-3 days or several weeks. It all depends directly on the type of parasite that has entered the body. Helminthiasis can be acute and chronic.
Classification of parasites
All parasites are divided into species. There are large groups by:
- method of infection;
- location method;
- biological characteristics.
Each of the groups has its own characteristics.
By location type
Temporary, stationary and transit forms of location are differentiated. In the first case, the parasite lives in the owner's body only at a certain stage of development. In a stationary form, pests are constantly on the human body. The transient form is the period of migration of the parasite to its habitat.
In treatment, doctors always take into account not only the shape of the parasite, but also the place of residence. In total, pests are divided into 2 main categories. The parasites that live on the skin are called ectoparasites. The pests that have settled inside the owner are endoparasites.
Internal parasites, in turn, are divided into 2 categories - tissue parasites and abdominal organ parasites. There are also atypical forms. In this case, the pests are located in unusual places for them.
External parasites can be temporary or permanent. Those who eat blood through bites are temporary. They can cause infections. The rest of the parasites violate the integrity of the skin.
There are also intracellular pests. This includes, for example, Plasmodium malaria.
By infection method
Parasites can also be classified according to the mode of infection. The following penetration methods are differentiated:
- Contact and family. In this case, the parasites penetrate as a result of violations of sanitary and hygienic standards.
- Fecal-oral. In this case, the infection occurs both with dirty hands and with low quality products.
- Transmission ranges. The infection occurs through blood-sucking insects.
- Active paths. This is the name of the infection method, in which the parasites reach the owner in the larval stage.
Thanks to the large number of ways to get in, you can catch parasites anywhere. Only preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection.
By biological characteristics
According to biological characteristics, parasites are divided into two categories - single-cell and multicellular. The first group includes sporozoa, ciliate, flagellate, histological amoebae. The main method of infection is to ignore personal hygiene rules.
Worms, insects, arachnids are generally called multicellular parasites. The danger of infection, for example, with helminths, is that the worms damage tissues and internal organs.
The most common multicellular parasites are worms.
Multicellular parasites are more dangerous. They are distinguished by their rapid reproduction rate and complex life cycle.
Where parasites can be found
Some parasites can live in specific parts of the body, while others can spread throughout the body. It is difficult to diagnose a parasite infection.
Roundworms live mainly in the digestive tract. The infection occurs when eating unwashed food.
Parasites can be found under human skin. These representatives include rishta. The plague enters the body when drinking raw water. Tourists who go on holiday to countries where rishta is common are often infected.
Internal organs infect worms. They can live in the liver, pancreas, intestines, bile ducts. The main source of infection is the consumption of raw fish.
There are also tissue microorganisms. They can live in the spinal cord, muscles and connective tissues. The main source of infection is domestic animals.
There are also eye parasites. They can be round, flat, ringed and with a spiny head. The main source of infection is insufficient heat treatment of fish or contact with infected animals.
Danger of parasitic infection for humans
Any parasitic infection requires urgent treatment. The sooner treatment is started, the faster it will be possible to deal with the pests and the fewer complications will arise.
Parasites in the human body can lead to serious pathologies:
- Some pests cause severe colitis. The condition is significantly aggravated if the patient has an ulcer. There may be blood in your stool, which is dangerous for the development of anemia. Treatment should be started as soon as possible.
- Parasites can take up residence in the brain or liver. This condition can be dangerous not only for the health, but also for the patient's life. When infected, there is a risk of developing a cyst.
- Pests that live in the intestines can compromise their integrity. In addition, there is a risk of obstruction.
- Parasites inflict a significant blow to the human immune system. The destruction of leukocytes and erythrocytes occurs. This affects a person's general well-being almost instantly.
- Pests remove nutrients from the human body. The risk of developing thyroid disease increases anemia. In addition, the condition of the hairline and nails deteriorates.
- The body is poisoned by toxic components. Parasite residues are toxic to humans. The more of them, the worse the person's well-being. The risk of developing allergies, asthma and asthma attacks is increased.
Parasites are especially dangerous for children. The infection turns into a large number of unpleasant symptoms. The child loses appetite, decreases body weight, apathy and tiredness arise. Your child may cry frequently and be restless. Visible dark circles appear under the eyes.
The baby is growing, so it is important that he receives enough nutrients. With parasites in the body, this is not possible. The baby's condition is rapidly deteriorating by the day. The child's development can be seriously delayed.
The danger of parasites is that they can live in a person for months and years without making themselves felt at all. During that time, it will significantly weaken, face a lack of nutrients. Possible complete exhaustion. Only timely treatment can help prevent this.
Factors contributing to infection
People are often blamed for the appearance of worms. There are several factors that increase the likelihood of pests. This includes:
- refuses to wash hands before eating;
- infection with dirty shoes;
- ignore signs of worms in pets;
- drinking raw water;
- eat unwashed fruits and vegetables;
- insufficient heat treatment of meat and fish;
- eating out frequently;
- weakening of the immune system after taking strong medications.
The parasites' pre-eggs enter the intestine. After that, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and the larvae are transported throughout the body.
Parasites spread more quickly in large groups of children. This is due to the fact of ignoring the rules of hygiene and very close contacts.
Symptoms of the appearance of parasites in the human body
It is important to know that parasites sometimes do not manifest for a long time. Symptoms are generally general and almost invisible at first.
The first symptoms of parasites in the body are a rapid and irrational loss of body weight, as well as the appearance of an itchy sensation in the anus. It is possible to check for the presence of parasitic infections only through diagnosis. Symptoms of infection usually include various disorders of the nervous system and general weakness of the body.
A person who has parasites suffers from a lack of vitamins. This contributes to the appearance of fatigue, severe drowsiness and constant apathy.
If pests live in the intestines, problems with the digestive system are inevitable. Diarrhea can alternate with constipation. There is a risk of increased gas formation and pain in the right hypochondrium.
In the presence of parasites, a person's protective functions are reduced. Due to low immunity, there is a risk of various infectious diseases.
One of the clearest signs of parasites is the spontaneous appearance of allergy symptoms. In addition, allergic rhinitis or a persistent dry cough may start to bother you.
Diagnosis of helminthiasis
Only after diagnosis and confirmation of the presence of worms can treatment be carried out. To ensure the presence of parasites, doctors use different diagnostic methods:
- Macroscopic. For him, the patient's feces are removed for analysis. A microscope or magnifying glass is used as additional equipment. This method is used to find pinworms or ascaris.
- Microscopic. For this, a thick smear is made, which is then examined on a special membrane.
- Immunological. In that case, antibodies to a specific type of helminth are sought in the blood. This method is used to search for a large number of different parasites.
- Biopsy. The presence of worms is determined by examining muscle tissue.
- Instrumental. These methods are used to determine how much internal organs and tissues are damaged by parasites. These methods include ultrasound, X-ray and computed tomography.
Treatment of parasite infestation
To eliminate parasites, you can give preference to drug methods and popular methods. It is better to combine them. In this case, the effectiveness of the therapy will be more pronounced and faster.
The treatment is selected individually. The most effective therapy is selected by the doctor, taking into account all the characteristics that are present in a given patient.
Folk remedies for parasites in the human body
Traditional methods of treatment are no less effective than medicines. Its main advantage is total safety for the patient.
One of the best medicines is garlic juice. It contains phytonides. They destroy the pests in the body. The juice is taken three times a day. Start with 5 drops a day. The dosage is increased gradually.
Another effective remedy is tincture of absinthe. Like garlic, it contains phytonides. To prepare the medicine, 1 tablespoon of absinthe is mixed with 100 ml of alcohol. The drug is insisted for a week in a dark place. Take 20 drops 3 times a day. The tincture is used 20 minutes before meals.
It is good to include lots of carrots in your diet and drink their juice. It has a harmful effect on parasites. It is recommended to take 1 glass of fresh carrot juice 30 minutes before meals.
Herbal decoctions have a great effect on the body. To prepare a medicine for parasites, mix 1 tablespoon for each. tansy, wormwood, aspen bark. All components are placed in a glass of water and brought to a boil. Take after cooling. Drink the broth 3 times a day, 125 ml before meals.
The main disadvantage of traditional therapy is that some drugs can cause an allergic reaction if there is an intolerance to specific components. In that case, you will have to reconsider your therapy and find a decoction or tincture that does not include allergens in its composition.
There is also the opinion that, in order to combat a small number of parasites, it is enough to reconsider feeding. In the menu, you need to include:
- pumpkin seeds;
- raw fruits and vegetables;
- coconut and pineapple;
- chile;
- various vegetable oils.
All of these products have a negative impact on parasite activity.
Medication for parasites
Medication is more effective. The main thing is to take all medications deliberately. It is important to know that they are potent, so their use is only possible after prior consultation with the doctor.
Self-medication with worms is strictly prohibited. There is a risk that the patient will worsen his own well-being only with the use of incorrect medicines, necessary in a specific case.
Preventing parasites in the human body
It is easier to prevent the emergence of parasitic microorganisms than to fight them in the future. Everyone must adhere to existing security measures. For this it is recommended:
- use only purified water to wash food and drink;
- do not use other people's personal hygiene items;
- administer medications against parasites to animals for prophylaxis;
- stop eating dirty fruits and vegetables;
- stop eating raw fish.
The diagnosis is necessary periodically to ensure that no harmful microorganisms are present. If preventive measures are taken, the risk of infection is minimal. It is especially important to make sure that children follow the recommendations. They are in the main risk group.