Screening adults for parasites is a reliable way to detect intestinal infestations and other forms of helminthic infestations. Based on the results obtained during the research, the specialist prescribes appropriate treatment methods.
Get tested regularly for parasites, not when symptoms indicate the presence of worms. Similar studies are needed for children and adults.
Basic methods
Kal
The traditional method of detecting worms in humans is to analyze feces. During the study, specialists examine a fragment of feces for the presence of parasite eggs. To obtain the most reliable results, at least 2-4 studies are carried out with an interval of several days.
It identifies parasites such as:
- nematodes or roundworms;
- tapeworms (cestodes);
- trematodes (flukes).
This analysis of the parasites, being quite simple, cannot claim the reliability of the results.
To obtain a reliable result, it is desirable to deliver a stool sample to the laboratory within 45 minutes of a bowel movement. If this is not possible, you can keep the container with the sample in the refrigerator, but no longer than 8 hours.
Histological coprogram
The next method used to diagnose worms in adults is a histological coprogram. This study involves a microscopic analysis of the composition of feces based on the study of its section. Such a procedure will reveal the larvae of the worms, fragments of their body, as well as the presence of mature mature individuals.
The disadvantage of this technique is the inability to determine the specific type of parasite that is growing in the human body.
Blood
The most effective are studies based on the patient's own blood. This analysis determines the antibodies and antigens contained in the blood against certain types of parasitic organisms. It also provides information about the type of helminths, its ability to reproduce and its quantity.
Due to the fact that helminthic invasion is characterized by the release of toxic waste from parasites, the composition of the blood changes. This allows doctors to suspect the presence of worms.
A variant of this study is the enzyme immunoassay.
The sensitivity of this method is quite high (reaches 90%). Even if no other study reveals the presence of worms, the enzyme immunoassay provides comprehensive data on the type and prevalence of helminths.
The blood sample for the study is taken on an empty stomach, from a vein.
The blood sample is examined within 2-5 days. The results obtained are deciphered by the attending physician.
The analysis will make it possible to follow the dynamics of the disease caused by helminthic invasion.
What parasitic diseases are detected by this study? This:
- ascariasis;
- fasciolosis;
- amoebiasis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- giardiasis;
- opisthorchiasis;
- cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis;
- cysticercosis.
You can take parasite tests in various private clinics, the specialists of which guarantee quick results.
When to take
Sometimes helminthic invasions occur without pronounced symptoms, which greatly complicates both the possibility of timely diagnosis and treatment. However, there are characteristic features, among which:
- persistent headaches;
- frequent colds;
- constipation;
- sleep disorder;
- brittleness of the nails;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- bowel disorder;
- itching in the anus.
Parasitic invasions are fraught with serious complications. A large number of worms connected by a ball can cause an intestinal blockage. Other dangerous consequences include hypovitaminosis, beriberi, anemia, jaundice, chronic cell damage that provokes the development of cancer.