Parasitic diseases

Under modern conditions, more than 300 parasitic infections are known. They are irritated by microorganisms and worms that penetrate the body to exploit its resources, as well as scabies mites and lice that live on the skin and hair.Sometimes parasitic diseases have few symptoms. However, many infections can have serious consequences: parasites can disrupt metabolism, poison the body, and destroy tissues and organs. Some parasites pose a deadly threat. For example, malaria is an infectious disease spread by the Anopheles mosquito that kills more than 600, 000 people each year.

In our country, between 1 and 2 million cases of parasitic diseases are registered every year, but according to doctors, the number of people actually infected with these diseases is several times higher.

According to the World Health Organization, 4. 5 billion people, or more than half of the world’s population, suffer from parasitic infections. The main reasons for this sad statistic come from countries with hot climates and areas with poor sanitation and drinking water shortages. Residents of these places face dangerous diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis. A disease caused by parasites. Symptoms occur in tropical and subtropical regions. If complications occur, they can affect the liver, kidneys, bladder fibrosis and infertility. Filariasis. An infection caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of tropical insects. Causes destruction of the lymphatic system. In our country, as in countries with a mild climate, the problem of parasitic infections is not so serious: the most common are 18-20 species of parasites, which are easily treated and have a good prognosis.

Types of parasitic diseases

Diseases caused by protozoal microorganisms fall into three main categories: infections caused by amoeba, trichomonas and leishmania.Furthermore, according to the stage of the disease, acute and chronic parasitic infections are distinguished, as well as the location of the parasitic infection (intestinal and extraintestinal), when the parasite penetrates and multiplies various tissues and organs: lungs, muscles, liver, kidneys, but not in the gut inside the body.Let’s take a look at what are the most common diseases in our country.

Diseases caused by protozoal microorganisms

GiardiasisThe body can become infected with intestinal Giardia lamblia (Giardia lamblia, Giardia lamblia), which is spread through contact with contaminated fruits and vegetables, water, or everyday items. They stick to the walls of the small intestine and feed on leftover food. Symptoms of giardiasis include abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, nausea, vomiting, general weakness and insomnia.Amebiasis (amoebic dysentery)The most common causative agent of this disease is the dysentery Entamoeba histolytica. Infection occurs via the fecal-oral route. Microorganisms can survive for long periods of time on various surfaces, in water, on vegetables, fruits and meat. Typically, amebiasis presents with severe diarrhea (often mixed with blood and mucus), nausea, and a low-grade fever. If the microorganisms enter the bloodstream and spread to the liver, lungs, and brain, it may result in the formation of a liver abscess (a cavity filled with pus), respiratory failure, and symptoms of encephalitis.

diseases caused by worms

pinworm diseaseThe most common disease is ascariasis - it accounts for 70% of all parasitic infection cases. Almost every resident of our country has encountered this situation at least once in his life. Ascariasis is caused by Ascaris lumbricoides , the roundworm. Askari eggs can enter the body through dirty hands; they persist on food and various objects that an infected person has come into contact with. These parasites can cause nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and people often experience anal itching.AscariasisHelminth infections are caused by roundworms (roundworms). Their larvae enter the human body through vegetables and fruits and through interaction with contaminated soil. People infected with ascariasis may experience loss of appetite, stomach pain, and nausea. If there are too many of these parasites, there may be problems with the patency of the intestines or bile ducts, disrupting the digestive process and the flow of bile.Adult roundworms can reach 25-30 cm in lengthToxocariasisThe causative agent of this disease is Toxocara canis, which is transmitted to humans through the fecal-oral route. In most cases, the infection occurs without symptoms because Toxocara canis larvae do not mature into adult worms in the human body. However, as they pass through organs and tissues, they disrupt their normal function. Therefore, if the respiratory system is damaged, a person may experience unreasonable coughing and difficulty breathing, and if the brain is damaged, neurological disorders, allergic reactions, and anemia may occur. In extreme cases, infection can lead to worsening of vision or complete loss of vision.Hydatid diseaseEchinococcus is caused by the parasitic Echinococcus tapeworm, a parasite that lives in some animals and is transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, worm larvae can form cysts in the liver, kidneys, lungs and even the brain. This can lead to serious complications - anaphylactic shock, increased intracranial pressure, development of abscesses, pathological changes in organs and tissues - and lead to premature death.Metatesticular diseaseIf you eat carp that is fried or lightly salted, you may get opiates. These fish are often infected with larvae of the Opisthorchis flatworm, which can damage the bile ducts of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Symptoms of the disease include excessive sweating, allergic rash, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and upper respiratory tract inflammation.Fish delicacies can be a source of parasites

diseases caused by arthropods

scabiesOne of the most common skin diseases is lice, caused by the tiny mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. These mites are spread through contact with an infected person, burrowing into the skin, migrating and laying eggs, causing itching and rashes. Pulmonary lice can lead to serious complications related to secondary infections.scabiesA severe affliction of the skin and hair, an infection usually caused by head lice (head lice). This parasite attacks its host by sucking blood. Lice saliva enters the wound from the bite and can cause extreme itching. Pediculosis can lead to the development of eczema and conjunctivitis: by scratching at the bite points (yes, they can also be in the eyebrow area, eyelash line), a person can transfer disease-causing bacteria into the resulting wounds, leading to infectious complicationsdisease. Additionally, lice are carriers of typhus, an extremely dangerous infection.Ordinary hygiene practices do not guarantee protection against lice infestations: they can successfully live in both healthy and dirty hair.

Signs of Parasitic Infection

Most commonly, parasitic infections that are widespread in our country usually show only mild symptoms or symptoms similar to intestinal infections and poisonings. People infected with the parasite experience symptoms such as worsened appetite, abdominal pain, occasional nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and general worsening of health and weakness. Increased body temperature, development of rashes and other allergic reactions, iron deficiency anemia, and minor neurological disorders (increased excitability, sleep problems) may also occur.Parasitic diseases are often confused with poisonings, intestinal infections, and acute respiratory viral infections.Often, these symptoms increase or decrease, making diagnosis difficult. In most cases, parasitic infections are discovered accidentally during preventive exams or during diagnosis of other illnesses.

Complications caused by parasites

Generally, common parasitic infections in our country rarely lead to serious complications. However, with a large number of parasites in the body, a person's health can seriously deteriorate over time.The most common complications of parasitic infections:

• intestinal and bile duct obstruction,
• internal organ abscess,
• septicemia,
• peritonitis,
• intestinal inflammation,
• upper respiratory tract inflammation,
• Anaphylactic shock.

parasitic diseases in children

70-90% of cases of parasitic infections affect children and adolescents. This is because children tend to be less hygienic and more active in exploring the world around them. Children are often diagnosed with polyinfection when they are infected with multiple types of parasites, such as pinworms combined with ascariasis or giardiasis. If a child is infected with a worm or protozoa, his or her immunity will be weakened, making him more susceptible to other types of parasites and infections.Parasitic infection can cause serious damage to a child's body: the body's protective functions are destroyed, the child feels uncomfortable, has frequent mood changes, and declines in academic performance. Therefore, regular parasitic disease check-ups are recommended to prevent the most common infections.

Which specialist treats parasitic diseases?

Symptoms of a parasitic infection can be confused with those of a cold, allergies, or intestinal infection. If you suspect parasites, it is important to contact your GP who can assess your symptoms, arrange any necessary tests and refer you to a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist if necessary.It is especially important for children to be checked regularly for parasitic diseases to avoid possible complications.If the parasite remains in the body for a long time and is seriously affecting your health, you may need to consult with a specialist in another medical field. For example, with hydatid disease, a surgeon usually needs to surgically remove the cysts formed by the worms.

Perform laboratory tests to diagnose parasitic diseases

Most parasitic infections can be successfully detected with tests. By studying the composition of the blood, one can identify the presence of antibodies produced by the body in response to invasion by foreign parasites. Examination of stools and smears can help detect parasite eggs and larvae.However, it must be taken into account that parasites have their own development cycle (from egg to adult) and in the early stages of infection, the test may not detect the presence of parasites. To ensure reliable results, it is recommended that some tests be performed twice, 7-10 days apart.

Treatment methods for parasitic diseases

When your doctor confirms the diagnosis, he or she will prescribe antiparasitic medication, which usually takes a few days to a few weeks. Symptomatic treatment is also possible - antipyretics, drugs to treat diarrhea, absorbents to treat gastrointestinal diseases, immunomodulators to maintain immunity.After completing the course of treatment, it is recommended to have another check-up to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and complete recovery.

Measures to prevent parasitic diseases

The main reasons why parasites enter the body are dirty hands, contaminated water and food. To avoid the occurrence of infection, it is very important to observe hygiene rules: wash your hands regularly, perform wet cleaning indoors, handle fruits and vegetables with care, wear protective gloves when working in the garden. Meat and fish should be boiled, fried or grilled until done. Undercooked dishes, undercooked smoked or lightly salted delicacies can all be sources of parasites.To prevent parasitic infections, it is important to maintain good hygieneEveryone, especially children and teenagers, should be regularly tested for the most common parasitic diseases to help detect possible illnesses early.Before traveling to tropical countries, you should consult a doctor about measures to prevent foreign parasitic infections, which are rare in our country. Such infections are often more difficult to treat, complications are more frequent, and diagnosis can be difficult because doctors are inexperienced.

Home ways to get rid of parasites

Parasites, these uninvited guests in our bodies, can cause many unpleasant illnesses. They can cause allergic reactions, disrupt digestion, and even affect your mental state. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to control pests in your home.

One of the most popular ways to get rid of parasites is to use natural products like garlic, ginger, and nuts. Garlic has antiparasitic properties that can help fight parasites and strengthen the immune system.

In addition, you can use herbal decoctions and infusions. Plants such as tansy, yarrow and clove are known for their anti-parasitic properties and help clear parasites from the body.

Don't forget about proper hygiene. Regular handwashing before meals, peeling vegetables and fruits before meals, and handling meat before cooking are basic preventive measures to avoid parasitic infections.

Parasites cause allergic reactions

When exposed to parasites, the body may begin to develop an allergic reaction to these pathogens.Parasites may cause allergies in travelers from areas with a higher risk of helminth infection.Preventing parasites when traveling is an important aspect of health, as the possibility of infection can not only worsen your overall health, but also lead to allergic reactions.

Prevent parasites when traveling

When we travel, especially to warm countries, it is important to remember the dangers that parasites can pose. The presence of parasites can negatively affect our health and cause various problems. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent it.There are many ways to protect yourself from parasites while traveling. One of the main measures is to monitor the quality of drinking water and food, as parasitic infections are most commonly spread through them. It's also worth considering your hotel's location and taking steps to protect against insects and ticks.When traveling to exotic countries, you must always consult a doctor and take precautions against malaria, as mosquitoes can be carriers of this dangerous disease. It is also recommended to use insect repellent and disinfect personal hygiene items.

The harm of parasites to women’s health

Parasites can seriously harm women's health and cause various problems and complications.Parasites can cause digestive disorders, allergic reactions, chronic fatigue, malaise, and other negative consequences for a woman’s body.Fighting parasites in women requires special attention and a comprehensive approach to avoid serious health consequences.

Questions and Answers:

What parasitic infections are possible in humans?

To date, more than 300 parasitic infections are known, caused by single-celled organisms, helminths, arthropods, and other parasites.

How do parasites enter the body?

Parasites can enter the body through contaminated drinking water, food, insect bites, contact with infected animals or other people.

What are the possible symptoms of a parasitic infection?

Symptoms of parasitic infection may include gastrointestinal discomfort, weakness, fatigue, weight changes, allergic reactions, itching, and skin irritation.

What precautions can you take to avoid parasitic infections?

To prevent parasitic infections, it is necessary to maintain hand hygiene, avoid eating raw or undercooked food, carefully monitor water purity and take anti-parasitic measures.

How is a parasitic infection treated?

Treatment of a parasitic infection depends on the type of parasite and may include taking antiparasitic drugs, antibiotics, symptomatic treatments, and other methods prescribed by your doctor.

What types of parasitic infections can enter the body?

Today, there are more than 300 known parasitic infections, caused by single-celled organisms, helminths, arthropods, and other parasites.

Which organs and tissues of the human body can parasites inhabit?

Parasites can parasitize in the human body's intestines, liver, lungs, blood and other organs and tissues, and use them as a source of nutrients and resources for their survival.