Common parasites in humans

A variety of parasites can live in humans. They 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 intestine, but also in muscle, 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. All have specific features.

Round worms

Roundworms or nematodes include about 1000 subspecies in their group. The most famous representatives are pinworm, Trichinella, toxocara, wormwick, nectar, as well as ascaris. They enter the body through the mouth or skin. The main representatives of roundworms are described in the table.

Parasite	Description
Stingworms	This is a round worm that does not exceed 2-12 mm in length. Females are usually larger. These representatives parasitize in the lower intestine and colon. Adult females lay eggs in the perianal region. Most often, such representatives are found in children. Eggs fall into the hands of the patient 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. Once they enter the body, its complete intoxication begins. In an advanced case, parasites can be fatal to humans.
Toxocars	This parasite often lives in animals, including livestock. Young children are very susceptible to toxocariasis. The parasite multiplies extremely quickly, so treatment should begin immediately.
Hawthorn worms	It is believed that every 4 people on the planet are carriers of this parasite. An adult can live in the body of the host for 8 years. With proper and timely treatment, 95% of 100 patients can be cured of wild worm. The parasite enters the body along with the contaminated soil.
Nekator	These representatives are small. Their length reaches 2 cm. The female pest lays up to 10 thousand eggs per day. The parasite larvae enter the external environment along with the feces.
Ascaris	Roundworms can grow up to 35 cm tall. First, the parasite develops in the small intestine, and then spreads throughout the body. In order for individuals to become sexually mature, it is necessary to re-enter the body.

After the penetration of roundworms in the human body, the process of development of pathological symptoms begins. The intestinal walls become inflamed and therefore the digestive system breaks down. Parasites in the body are a serious threat. They absorb some of the nutrients.

Tapeworms

The bands or cestodes present in the body cause cestodes. Adults are found only in the intestine. The larvae are able to spread throughout the body. A person can be infected by the following tapeworms:

1. Wide bar. This is the longest poison in the world. He is able to grow up to 15-17 meters. Wide tape causes considerable damage to the human body. Ulcers form at the site of its attachment.
2. Tape of the bull. This is another major parasite that negatively affects human health. It is most often found in the small intestine. Infection occurs when you eat contaminated meat that is poorly processed thermally.
3. Pork ribbon. The strip can grow up to several meters in length. Pests can be transmitted by wild boar and domestic pigs.
4. Ekinokoku. Eggs enter the environment along with fecal matter. Infection often occurs when personal hygiene is not followed.
5. Alveokoku. The parasite grows in length to 2. 2 mm. Infection occurs through food that is contaminated with contaminated feces.

Pathology is manifested mainly by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. A disorder of nervous activity appears. A person's well-being is constantly deteriorating.

Fluke Worms

Hair is a flatworm. These are some of the most dangerous representatives. Almost all greed parasitizes the owner's body. Only at a certain stage of development do they change ownership.

Changing the host eliminates potential overcrowding in the host body. The most common flux representatives include:

1. Siberian spread. Infection occurs when you eat fish that has undergone insufficient heat treatment. Deep in human fecal masses containing the eggs of this pest. The parasite grows to a length of 13 mm. The body is almost completely transparent.
2. Liver. 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 fluke is already placed in its intermediate form. There is also a risk of water pollution.
3. Schistosoma. If left untreated, schistosoma can cause sudden death of the patient. Only 6 species of this parasite are dangerous to humans. The microorganism can settle in the blood vessels, bladder. Infection often occurs when you swim in fresh water.
4. Clonorhis. People who work in public catering are susceptible to infection. Clonorchis most often occurs in men over 35 years. They are in danger. The parasite's eggs are excreted in the feces.

Most often, parasites enter the body when they eat raw or poorly cooked fish. Another common option is the presence of poorly washed vegetables and fruits in the diet.

Trematodat

This is a type of flatworm. Their main feature is the presence of suction cups. Trematodes include:

1. Opisthorkiaza. The source of infection is live or poorly cooked fish. The symptoms are non-specific, so it is difficult to diagnose the disease. The result is often unfavorable.
Fascioliaza. When infected, the liver and bile system are damaged. A characteristic sign of human infection is a sharp rise in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees. Dikrocelioza. Helminthiasis, the causative agent of which is the larynx. With pathology, the liver and gallbladder are additionally damaged.

The parasite is widespread throughout the world and poses a serious threat to livestock and humans.

Protozoa

The simplest parasites are unicellular 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 unicellular organisms can be performed with the help of eyelashes, flagella, pseudopods. These types of parasites include:

1. Flaxhelat. They have an oval or pear-shaped body. The main difference is the presence of flagella. Their number can be 1-8. The parasite absorbs food all over the surface of the body. Infection can occur through insect bites, violation of personal hygiene rules, and spoiled sexual activity.
2. Sporovikët. They are able to live in different human organs. Food, respiration, release of waste products are carried out from the entire body surface of pests.
3. Infusorium. These are ciliary or sucking parasites. They live in freshwater, land.
4. Sarkodi. The parasite consists of a cell. Some species of sarcoma are able to live on human teeth if hygiene is inadequate.

Single-celled organisms can lead to a number of dangerous diseases, including malaria, amoebiasis, giardiasis, and more. Infection is possible through the method of home contact, fecal-oral, through contaminated products, as well as a transmitted 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 come to humans from animals. Also, their entry is possible through water, land and from person to person.

Ectoparasites

Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the surface of the body and in external organs. They can be provocateurs of skin diseases. In addition, ectoparasites carry various infections.

The group of ectoparasites includes:

1. Morrat. It is a parasite that sucks blood. The oral organ pierces human skin easily. If necessary, lice can withstand fasting for several days. Lice can be body and head lice. Lice are a serious threat as they can cause infectious diseases.
2. Bloch. These are temporary ectoparasites. It is passed from person to animal and back. Gives strong discomfort from the bite.
3. Icodian ticks. Unlike other ectoparasites, ticks are easily removed. For this, vegetable oil or paraffin is used. The main thing is to get the tick issued for the exam. This will help to make sure he is not a carrier of the infection

Most often, ectoparasites infect animals, but human infection is also possible, for example, ticks or lice. Pests feed on blood. They have a high reproduction rate.

Helminths

Currently, experts identify 280 species of worms. All of them are capable of living and developing in the human body. It is a mistake to believe that helminthiases occur only in people from disadvantaged families. Worms can also occur in wealthy people who carefully monitor their hygiene.

Helminths can be infected in many ways. The parasites can be spread from animals, from person to person, and from 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 may appear after 2-3 days or a few weeks. It all depends directly on the type of parasites that have entered the body. Helminthiasis can be acute or chronic.

Classification of parasites

All parasites are divided into species. There are large groups of:

• method of infection;
• location method;
• biological characteristics.

Each of the groups has its own characteristics.

By type of localization

Temporary, stationary and transit forms of localization are distinguished. 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 in the human body. The transient form is the period of migration of the parasite into its habitat.

When treating, doctors always consider not only the form of the parasite, but also its location. In total, pests are divided into 2 main categories. Parasites that live on the skin are ectoparasites. The pests that are located inside the owner are endoparasites.

Internal parasites, on the other hand, fall into 2 categories - tissue parasites and abdominal parasites. There are also atypical forms. In this case, the pests are located 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 the method of infection

Parasites can also be classified according to the mode of infection. The following penetration methods are distinguished:

1. 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 through dirty hands as well as low quality products.
2. Transmission parts. Infection occurs through blood-sucking insects.
3. Active paths. This is the name of the method of infection in which the parasites reach the owner in the larval stage.

Thanks to the large number of ways to get in, you can get parasites everywhere. Only preventive measures make it possible to reduce the risk of infection.

According to biological characteristics

According to biological characteristics, parasites are divided into two categories - unicellular and multicellular. The first group includes sporozoans, ciliates, flagellates, histological amoebae. The main method of infection is ignoring the rules of personal hygiene.

Worms, insects, arachnids are commonly referred to as multicellular parasites. The risk 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 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 parasitic infection.

Roundworms live mainly in the digestive tract. Infection occurs when you eat unwashed food.

Parasites can be found under human skin. These representatives include the newcomer. The pest enters the body when it drinks raw water. Tourists who go on vacation to places where the novelty is common are often infected.

Internal organs infect lightning. They can live in the liver, pancreas, intestines, biliary tract. The main source of infection is the consumption of live fish.

There are also tissue microorganisms. They can live in the spinal cord, muscles and connective tissues. The main source of infection are pets.

There are also eye parasites. They can be round, flat, circular, with a thorny head. The main source of infection is poor heat treatment of fish or contact with infected animals.

Risk of parasitic infection for humans

Any parasitic infection requires urgent treatment. The sooner treatment is started, the sooner it will be possible to deal with the pests and the fewer complications will arise.

Parasites in the human body can lead to serious pathology:

1. Some pests cause severe colitis. The condition worsens significantly if the patient has an ulcer. There may be blood in the stool, which is dangerous for the development of anemia. Treatment should begin as soon as possible.
2. Parasites can settle in the brain or liver. This condition can be dangerous not only for the health but also for the life of the patient. When infected, there is a risk of developing a cyst.
3. Pests living in the gut can endanger its integrity. Furthermore, there is a risk of blockage.
4. Parasites cause a significant blow to the human immune system. Destruction of leukocytes and erythrocytes occurs. This almost immediately affects a person’s overall well-being.
5. Pests receive nutrients from the human body. The risk of developing thyroid disease, anemia increases. Moreover, the condition of the hairline and nail plates deteriorates.
6. The body is poisoned by toxic ingredients. Parasitic waste products are toxic to humans. The more of them, the worse the well-being of the person. 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, body weight decreases, apathy and fatigue appear. Your toddler may cry often and become anxious. Visible dark circles appear under the eyes.

The baby is in the growth phase, so it is important that he gets enough nutrients. With parasites in the body, this is not possible. The baby's condition is rapidly deteriorating every day. The child may be severely delayed in development.

The danger of parasites is that they can live in a person for months and years without being felt in any way. During this time, he will be significantly weakened, will face a lack of nutrients. Possible complete fatigue. Only timely treatment can help prevent this.

Contributing factors to the infection

Often people themselves are to blame for the appearance of worms. There are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of pests. These include:

• refusal to wash hands before eating;
• infection with dirty shoes;
• ignoring the signs of worms in pets;
• drinking raw water;
• eating unwashed fruits and vegetables;
• poor heat treatment of meat and fish;
• frequent eating out;
• weakening of the immune system after taking strong medicines.

Parasite eggs first enter the gut. After that, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and the larvae are carried throughout the body.

Parasites spread faster in large groups of children. This is due to 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 sometimes parasites do not appear at all for a long period of time. The symptoms are often general and are almost invisible at first.

The first symptoms of parasites in the body are the 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 in the body.

A person who has parasites suffers from a lack of vitamins. This contributes to the appearance of fatigue, severe drowsiness and persistent apathy.

If the pests live in the gut, then problems with the digestive system are inevitable. Diarrhea may alternate with constipation. There is an increased risk of gas formation and pain in the right hypochondrium.

In the presence of parasites, a person's protective functions are reduced. Due to weak immunity, there is a risk of various infectious diseases.

One of the clearest signs of parasites is the spontaneous onset of allergy symptoms. Furthermore, allergic rhinitis or persistent dry cough can start to bother you.

Diagnosis of helminthiasis

Only after the diagnosis and confirmation of the presence of worms can their treatment be continued. In order to ensure that parasites are present, doctors use different diagnostic methods:

1. Macroscopic. For him, the patient's stools are taken for analysis. A microscope or magnifier is used as an accessory. This method is used to find worms or ascaris.
2. Microscopic. For this, a thick stain is obtained, which is further examined on a special membrane.
3. Immunological. In this case, antibodies to a particular type of helminths are required in the blood. This method is used to look for a large number of different parasites.
4. Biopsy. The presence of worms is determined by examining the muscle tissue.
5. Instrumental. Such methods are used to determine how much damage organs and internal tissues are caused by parasites. These methods include ultrasound, X-rays, computed tomography.

Treatment of parasitic infection

To eliminate parasites, you can give preference to both medicinal and folk remedies. It is best to combine them. In this case, the effectiveness of therapy will be more pronounced and faster.

Treatment is chosen on an individual basis. The most effective therapy is chosen by the doctor, taking into account all the features that are present in a particular patient.

Folk remedies for parasites in the human body

Traditional methods of treatment are no less effective than medicines. Their main advantage is complete safety for the patient.

One of the best medicines is garlic juice. Contains phytoncides. They are the ones who destroy the pests in the body. The fluid is taken three times a day. Start with 5 drops a day. The dosage is gradually increased.

Another effective remedy is wormwood tincture. 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 eating.

It is a good idea to include plenty of carrots in your diet and drink their juice. Has a detrimental effect on parasites. It is recommended to take 1 glass of fresh carrot juice 30 minutes before eating.

Herbal decoctions have a great effect on the body. To prepare a remedy for parasites, mix 1 tablespoon each. tansy, wormwood, aspen bark. All ingredients are poured into a glass of water and boiled. Take after cooling. Drink broth 3 times a day, 125 ml before meals.

The main disadvantage of traditional therapy is that some medicines can cause an allergic reaction if there is intolerance to certain ingredients. In this case, you will need to review your therapy and find a decoction or tincture that does not include allergens in its composition.

There is also an opinion that to fight a small number of parasites, it is enough to review your diet. The menu should include:

• pumpkin seeds;
• raw fruits and vegetables;
• coconut and pineapple;
• Chile;
• garlic;
• various vegetable oils.

All of these products have a negative impact on parasite activity.

Medications for parasites

Medications are more effective. The main thing is to take all the medication intentionally. Importers It is important to know that they are powerful, so their use is possible only after prior consultation with a doctor.

Self-medication with worms is strictly prohibited. There is a risk that the patient will only worsen his health condition by using the wrong medications required in a particular case.

Prevention of 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 for washing food and drinking;
• do not use other people's personal hygiene items;
• give medicines to animals for prophylaxis;
• stop eating dirty fruits and vegetables;
• stop eating live fish.

Diagnosis is required periodically to ensure that there are no harmful microorganisms. If preventive measures are taken, the risk of infection is minimal. It is especially important to ensure that children follow the recommendations. They are the ones who are in the main risk group.