A variety of parasites can live in humans. It can be not only multicellular and protozoan, but also viruses, bacteria, fungi. They parasite 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 the fight 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 around 1000 subspecies in their group. The most famous representatives are pinworms, Trichinella, toxocara, hookworms, nekator, and roundworms. They enter the body through the mouth or the skin. The main representatives of roundworms are described in the table.
| Parasite | Description |
| Roundworms | This is a roundworm that does not exceed 2-12 mm in length. The females are usually larger. These representatives parasitize the small intestine and the large intestine. Adult females lay eggs in the perianal region. Most often, such representatives are found in children. The eggs fall on the patient's hands when scratching the anus, which itches in the presence of such parasites. Itching is one of the first symptoms. |
| Trichinella | Trichinella is a nematode. Pests enter the body along with poorly processed meat. After they enter the body, their complete intoxication begins. In an advanced case, the parasites can be fatal in humans. |
| Toxocars | This parasite often lives on animals, including livestock. Young children are very susceptible to toxocariosis. The parasite multiplies extremely 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 proper and timely treatment, 95% of 100 patients can be cured of hookworm. The parasite enters the body along with the contaminated soil. |
| Nekator | These representatives are small. Its length reaches 2 cm. The female pest lays up to 10, 000 eggs per day. The larvae of the parasites enter the external environment together with the feces. |
| Ascaris | Roundworms can grow up to 35 cm long. First, the parasite develops in the small intestine and then spreads throughout the body. For people to reach sexual maturity, it is necessary to re-enter the body. |
After pinworms enter the human body, the process of developing pathological symptoms begins. The intestinal walls become inflamed and, for this reason, the functioning of the digestive system is disturbed. Parasites in the body are a serious threat. They absorb some of the nutrients.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms or tapeworms present in the body cause tapeworms. Adults are found only in the intestines. The larvae can spread throughout the body. A person can become infected with the following tapeworms:
- Wide tape. This is the longest helminth in the world. It can grow up to 15-17 meters. The broad tapeworm causes significant damage to the human body. Ulcers form at the site of their attachment.
- Tapeworm of the bull. This is another important parasite that negatively affects human health. It is most often located in the small intestine. Infection occurs from eating contaminated meat that has been poorly thermally processed.
- Pig tapeworm. The tapeworm can grow up to several meters in length. Pests can be carried by domestic and wild pigs.
- Echinococcus. Eggs enter the environment along with fecal matter. Infection often 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 disorder of nervous activity appears. The well-being of a person is constantly deteriorating.
Fluke Worms
Trematodes are flatworms. These are some of the most dangerous representatives. Almost all trematodes parasitize the owner's body. Only at a certain stage of development do they change ownership.
Changing hosts removes possible overcrowding in the host's body. The most common representatives of trematodes include:
- Siberian fluke. Infection occurs from eating fish that has not undergone sufficient heat treatment. It is in human fecal masses where the eggs of this pest are found. The parasite grows in length up to 13 mm. The body is almost completely transparent.
- Liver fluke. A parasite capable of infecting both animals and humans. An adult grows to a maximum of 8 cm. Infection is possible with the use of dirty plants, in which the flounder is already in its intermediate form. There is also the risk of contamination by water.
- Shistosoma. If left untreated, the schistosoma can cause sudden death in the patient. Only 6 varieties of this parasite are dangerous to humans. The microorganism can be located in the blood vessels, bladder. The infection often occurs when swimming in fresh water.
- Clonorhis. People who work in public catering are susceptible to infection. Clonorchis occurs most often in men older than 35 years. Are at risk. The parasite's eggs are excreted in the feces.
Most of the time, parasites enter the body by 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, making it difficult to diagnose the disease. The result is usually unfavorable.
- Fascioliasis. When it becomes infected, the liver and biliary system are damaged. A characteristic sign of human infection is a sharp increase in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees.
- Dichroceliosis. Helminthiasis, the causative agent of which is the lanceolate fluke. With pathology, the liver and gallbladder are also damaged.
The parasite is widespread throughout the world and poses a serious threat to livestock and humans.
Protozoa
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 thanks to their simple structure. The pest can live both on the skin and directly on the human body.
The movement of unicellular organisms can be carried out 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. Their number can be from 1 to 8. The parasite sucks food through the entire surface of the body. Infection can occur from insect bites, violation of personal hygiene rules, and promiscuous sexual activity.
- Sporoviks. They can live in different human organs. Nutrition, respiration and the release of waste products are carried out on the entire surface of the pest's body.
- Infusory. These are ciliary or sucking parasites. They live in fresh water, soil.
- Sarcode. The parasite consists of one cell. Some species of sarcode can live on human teeth if hygiene is inadequate.
Single-celled organisms can cause a number of dangerous diseases, such as malaria, amebiasis, giardiasis, etc. Infection is possible by the domestic, fecal-oral method of contact, through contaminated products, as well as by a transmissible method.
Protozoa: infections caused by the activity of the simplest microorganisms in humans. Animals are also susceptible to pathologies. The pathologies they cause also include fungal infections.
In most cases, protozoan organisms reach humans from animals. In addition, its entry is possible through water, soil and from person to person.
Ectoparasites
Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the surface of the body and in external organs. They can be a trigger for skin diseases. Furthermore, ectoparasites are carriers of various 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 resist fasting for several days. Lice can be both body and head lice. Head lice are a serious threat as they can transmit infectious diseases.
- Bloch. These are temporary ectoparasites. Passed from person to animal and vice versa. Produces great discomfort when biting.
- Ixodid ticks. Unlike other ectoparasites, ticks are easy to remove. Vegetable oil or paraffin is used for this. The main thing is to take the removed tick for examination. This will help make sure you are not carrying an infection
Most of the time, ectoparasites infect animals, but human infection, eg ticks or lice, is also possible. Pests feed on blood. They have a high reproduction rate.
Helminths
At the moment, experts identify 280 types of worms. All of them are 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 many ways. Parasites can be transmitted from animals, from person to person, and by contact with contaminated soil. Most often, worms appear in children. This is due to non-compliance with preventive measures.
The first symptoms may not appear immediately. They can appear after 2-3 days or several weeks. It all directly depends on the type of parasites that have entered the body. Helminthiasis can be both acute and chronic.
Parasite classification
All parasites are divided into species. There are large groups by:
- infection method;
- location method;
- biological characteristics.
Each of the groups has its own characteristics.
By location type
The forms of temporary, stationary and transit location are distinguished. In the first case, the parasite lives in the owner's body only at a certain stage of development. In stationary form, pests are constantly on the human body. The transient form is the period of migration of the parasite to its habitat.
When treating, doctors always take into account not only the shape of the parasite, but also the place of its residence. In total, pests are divided into 2 main categories. Parasites that live on the skin are ectoparasites. Pests that have settled inside the owner are endoparasites.
Internal parasites, in turn, are divided into 2 categories: parasites of the tissues and parasites of the abdominal organs. There are also atypical forms. In this case, the pests are in places unusual for them.
External parasites can be temporary or permanent. Those that feed on 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. These include, for example, Plasmodium malaria.
By infection method
Parasites can also be classified according to the mode of infection. The following penetration methods are distinguished:
- Contact and home. In this case, parasites penetrate as a result of violations of sanitary and hygienic norms.
- Fecal-oral. In this case, the infection occurs through dirty hands, as well as poor-quality products.
- Streaming tracks. Infection occurs through blood-sucking insects.
- Active routes. This is the name of the method of infection, in which the parasites reach the owner in the larval stage.
Thanks to the myriad of ways to get in, you can get parasites anywhere. Only preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection.
By biological characteristics
According to biological characteristics, parasites are divided into two categories: unicellular and multicellular. The first group includes sporozoa, ciliates, flagellates, histological amoebae. The main method of infection is to ignore the rules of personal hygiene.
Worms, insects, and arachnids are often referred to as multicellular parasites. The danger of infection, for example with helminths, is that the worms damage internal tissues and organs.
The most common multicellular parasites are worms.
Multicellular parasites are more dangerous. They are distinguished by their rapid rate of reproduction and their complex life cycle.
Where to find parasites
Some parasites can live in specific parts of the body, while others can spread throughout the body. It is difficult to diagnose a parasitic infection.
Roundworms live primarily in the digestive tract. Infection occurs by eating unwashed food.
Parasites can be found under human skin. These representatives include rishta. The pest enters the body by drinking raw water. Tourists who go on vacation to countries where rishta is common are often infected.
Internal organs infect trematodes. 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, spiny-headed. The main source of infection is poor heat treatment of fish or contact with infected animals.
Danger of parasitic infection for humans
Any parasitic infection requires urgent treatment. The earlier treatment is started, the faster it will be possible to deal with pests and the fewer complications will arise.
Parasites in the human body can cause serious pathologies:
- Some pests cause the development of acute colitis. The condition is significantly aggravated if the patient has an ulcer. There may be blood in the stool, which is dangerous for the development of anemia. Treatment should start as soon as possible.
- Parasites can establish themselves in the brain or liver. This condition can be dangerous not only for health, but also for the life of the patient. When infected, there is a risk of developing a cyst.
- Pests that live in the intestines can compromise their integrity. Also, there is a risk of clogging.
- Parasites deal a significant blow to the human immune system. Destruction of leukocytes and erythrocytes occurs. This almost instantly affects the general well-being of a person.
- Pests take nutrients from the human body. The risk of developing thyroid diseases increases anemia. In addition, the condition of the hairline and nail plates worsens.
- The body is poisoned by toxic components. The waste products of parasites are poisonous to humans. The more, the worse the well-being of the person. It increases the risk of developing allergies, asthma and asthma attacks.
Parasites are especially dangerous for children. The infection turns into a host of unpleasant symptoms. The child loses appetite, body weight decreases, apathy and fatigue appear. Your toddler may cry frequently and become fussy. Visible dark circles appear under the eyes.
The baby is in the growth phase, so it is important to get enough nutrients. With parasites in the body, this is not possible. The baby's condition deteriorates rapidly every day. The child may be very developmentally delayed.
The danger of parasites is that they can live in a person for months and years without making themselves felt in any way. During this time, it will be significantly weakened, it will face a lack of nutrients. Possible complete exhaustion. Only prompt treatment can help prevent this.
Factors contributing to infection
Often people themselves are to blame for the appearance of worms. There are several factors that increase the likelihood of pests. These include:
- refusal to wash their hands before eating;
- infection with dirty shoes;
- ignoring the signs of worms in pets;
- drink raw water;
- eat unwashed fruits and vegetables;
- poor heat treatment of meat and fish;
- eat frequently outdoors;
- weakening of the immune system after taking strong medications.
Parasite eggs first enter the intestines. After that, they are absorbed into the bloodstream, and the larvae are carried throughout the body.
Parasites spread more rapidly in large groups of children. This is because hygiene rules and too close contacts are ignored.
Symptoms of the appearance of parasites in the human body
It is important to know that sometimes parasites do not manifest at all for a long period of time. The symptoms are usually general and almost invisible at first.
The first symptoms of parasites in the body are rapid and unreasonable loss of body weight, as well as the appearance of an itchy sensation in the anus. It is possible to verify the presence of parasitic infections only through diagnosis. Symptoms of infection often 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 fatigue, extreme 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 upper quadrant.
In the presence of parasites, the protective functions of a person are reduced. Due to poor immunity, there is a risk of various infectious diseases.
One of the clearest signs of parasites is the spontaneous appearance of allergy symptoms. Also, allergic rhinitis or persistent dry cough can start to bother you.
Diagnosis of helminthiasis
Only after diagnosis and confirmation of the presence of worms can they be treated. To make sure of the presence of parasites, doctors use different diagnostic methods:
- Macroscopic. For him, the patient's feces are taken for analysis. A microscope or magnifying glass is used as additional equipment. This method is used to find pinworms or roundworms.
- Microscopic. For this, a thick smear is taken, which is further examined on a special membrane.
- Immune. In this case, the blood is searched for antibodies against a particular type of helminth. 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 to what extent parasites damage internal organs and tissues. These methods include ultrasound, X-rays, computed tomography.
Treatment of parasite infestation
To eliminate parasites, you can give preference to both pharmacological and folk methods. It is best to combine them. In this case, the effectiveness of therapy will be more pronounced and faster.
Treatment is selected individually. The doctor selects the most effective therapy, taking into account all the characteristics that are present in a particular patient.
Folk remedies for parasites of the human body
Traditional methods of treatment are no less effective than drugs. Its main advantage is total safety for the patient.
One of the best medicines is garlic juice. Contains phytoncides. It is they who destroy the pests in the body. The juice is taken three times a day. Start with 5 drops a day. The dose is gradually increased.
Another effective remedy is tincture of wormwood. Like garlic, it contains phytoncides. To prepare the medicine, 1 tablespoon of wormwood 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 detrimental effect on parasites. It is recommended to drink 1 glass of fresh carrot juice 30 minutes before meals.
Herbal decoctions have a great effect on the body. To prepare a remedy for parasites, mix 1 tablespoon each. tansy, wormwood, aspen bark. All the components are poured into 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 medications can cause an allergic reaction if there is intolerance to specific components. In this case, you will have to reconsider your therapy and look for a decoction or tincture that does not include allergens in its composition.
There is also an opinion that to combat a small number of parasites, it is enough to reconsider your diet. In the menu it should include:
- pumpkin seeds;
- raw fruits and vegetables;
- coconut and pineapple;
- chile;
- garlic;
- various vegetable oils.
All these products have a negative impact on the activity of parasites.
Medicines for parasites
Medication is more effective. The main thing is to take all medications deliberately. It is important to know that they are powerful, so their use is only possible after prior consultation with a doctor.
Self-medication with medications for worms is strictly prohibited. There is a risk that the patient will only worsen his own state of health by using the wrong drugs that are required in a particular case.
Prevention of parasites in the human body
It is easier to prevent the appearance 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 for washing food and drinking;
- do not use other people's personal hygiene items;
- administer anti-parasite drugs to animals for prophylaxis;
- stop eating dirty fruits and vegetables;
- stop eating raw fish.
Regular diagnostics are required to ensure that no harmful microorganisms are present. If preventive measures are taken, the risk of infection is minimal. It is especially important to ensure that children follow the recommendations. It is they who are in the main risk group.