Common parasites in humans

Various parasites can live in humans. These can be not only multicellular and protozoa, 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 the parasites you need to start the battle as early 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 pinworms, Trichinella, toxocara, hookworms, some, as well as roundworms. They enter the body through the mouth or skin. The main representatives of roundworms are described in the table.

Parasite	Description
Blades	This is a roundworm that does not exceed 2-12 mm in length. Females are usually larger. These representatives parasitize in the lower and large intestine. Adult females lay eggs in the perianal area. 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. Once they enter the body, its complete intoxication begins. When neglected, parasites can be fatal to humans.
Toxocara	This parasite often lives in animals, including cattle. Young children are highly susceptible to toxocariasis. The parasite multiplies extremely fast, so treatment should be started immediately.
Hookworms	It is estimated 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 hookworm. 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 larvae of the parasites enter the environment along with the feces.
Ascaris	Roundworms can grow up to 35 cm in length. First, the parasite develops in the small intestine and then spreads throughout the body. In order for individuals to become sexually mature, they need to re-enter the body.

After the entry of roundworms into the human body, the process of development of pathological symptoms begins. The intestinal walls become inflamed and for this reason the functioning of the digestive system is disrupted. Parasites in the body are a serious threat. They absorb some of the nutrients.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms or cestodes present in the body cause cestodes. Adults are found only in the intestines. The larvae are able to spread throughout the body. One can be infected with the following tapeworms:

1. Wide ribbon. This is the longest helminth in the world. It is able to grow up to 15-17 meters. Broad tapeworm causes significant damage to the human body. Ulcers form at the site of attachment.
2. Taurus of a bull. This is another major parasite that negatively affects human health. It is most often found in the small intestine. Infection occurs when eating contaminated meat that is poorly cooked.
3. Pork tapeworm. The tapeworm can grow up to several meters in length. Pests can be carried by wild and domestic pigs.
4. Echinococcus. Eggs enter the environment along with fecal matter. Infection often occurs when personal hygiene is not observed.
5. Alveococcus. The parasite grows to a length of 2, 2 mm. Infection occurs through food that is contaminated with contaminated feces.

The pathology is manifested mainly by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Nervous system disorder occurs. A person's well-being is constantly deteriorating.

Fluke Worms

Methyls are flatworms. These are some of the most dangerous representatives. Almost all flukes parasitize on the owner's body. Only at a certain stage of development do they change ownership.

Changing the host eliminates possible overcrowding in the host body. The most common representatives of flukes include:

1. Siberian methyl. Infection occurs when eating fish that has been subjected to insufficient heat treatment. Human fecal masses contain the eggs of this pest. The parasite grows to a length of 13 mm. The body is almost completely transparent.
2. Liver methyl. 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, on which methyl is already located in its intermediate form. There is also a risk of water contamination.
3. Schistosome. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can cause sudden death in a patient. Only 6 species of this parasite are dangerous to humans. The microorganism can be found in the blood vessels, the bladder. The infection often occurs when swimming in fresh water.
4. Clonorchis. People working in catering are susceptible to infection. Clonorchitis is most common in men over 35 years of age. They are at risk. The parasite's eggs are excreted in the faeces.

Parasites most often enter the body when eating raw or poorly cooked fish. Another common option is the presence of poorly washed vegetables and fruits in the diet.

Trematodes

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

1. Opisthorchiasis. The source of infection is raw or poorly cooked fish. The symptoms are nonspecific, so it is difficult to diagnose the disease. The result is most often unfavorable.
2. Fascioliasis. Infection damages the liver and bile system. A characteristic sign of human infection is a sharp rise in body temperature to 39-40 degrees.
3. Dicroceliosis. Helminthiasis caused by lanceolate fluke. In case of pathology, the liver and gallbladder are further 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 multiply due to their simple structure. The pest can live both in the skin and directly in the human body.

The movement of unicellular organisms can be done with the help of cilia, bulls, pseudopods. These types of parasites include:

1. Whips. They have an oval or pear-shaped body. The main difference is the presence of bulls. Their number can be 1-8. The parasite sucks food through the entire surface of the body. Infection can occur through insect bites, violations of personal hygiene rules, and indiscriminate sexual activity.
2. Sporovix. They are able to live in various human organs. Feeding, breathing, excretion of waste products are carried out from the entire surface of the body of the pest.
3. Infusoria. These are ciliary or sucking parasites. They live in fresh water, soil.
4. Sarcode. The parasite consists of one cell. Some types of sarcoids can live in human teeth if hygiene is inadequate.

Unicellular organisms can cause a number of dangerous diseases, including malaria, amebiasis, giardiasis and others. Infection is possible through the contact-household method, fecal-oral, through contaminated products, as well as the transmissible method.

Protozoa - infections caused by the activity of the simplest microorganisms in humans. Animals are also susceptible to pathologies. The pathologies they cause include fungal infections.

In most cases, protozoan organisms reach humans from animals. Also, their entry is possible through water, soil and from person to person.

Ectoparasites

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

The

group of ectoparasites includes:

1. Lice. It is a blood-sucking parasite. The oral organ easily pierces human skin. If necessary, lice can last on an empty stomach for several days. Lice can be body lice and head lice. Lice are a serious threat as they can carry infectious diseases.
2. Bloch. These are temporary ectoparasites. It is transmitted from person to animal and vice versa. Delivers severe discomfort when bitten.
Ticks Ixodid. Unlike other ectoparasites, ticks are easy to get rid of. Vegetable oil or paraffin is used for this. The main thing is to take the extracted tick for examination. This will help make sure that he is not a carrier of the infection

Ectoparasites most often infect animals, but human infections such as ticks or lice are also possible. Pests feed on blood. They have a high degree of reproduction.

Helminths

Experts are currently identifying 280 species of worms. They are all able to live and develop in the human body. It is wrong 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 spread from animals, from person to person and through contact with contaminated soil. Worms most often 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 what kind of parasites have entered the body. Helminthiasis can be both acute and chronic.

Classification of parasites

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

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

Each group has its own characteristics.

By type of localization

There are temporary, stationary and transit forms of localization. In the first case, the parasite lives in the body of the owner only at a certain stage of development. In a stationary form, the pests are constantly in the human body. The transitional form is the period of migration of the parasite to its habitat.

When treating doctors, they always take into account not only the form of the parasite, but also its place of residence. In general, pests are divided into 2 main categories. Parasites living 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 parasites of abdominal organs. 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 feed on blood through bites are temporary. They can cause infections. The remaining parasites disrupt 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:

1. Contact and household. In this case, the parasites penetrate as a result of violations of sanitary and hygienic standards.
2. Fecal-oral. In this case, the infection occurs through dirty hands, as well as low-quality products.
3. Transmission songs. Infection occurs through blood-sucking insects.
4. Active paths. This is the name of the method of infection in which the parasites reach the owner at the larval stage.

Thanks to the large number of ways to enter, 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 sporozoites, cilia, bulls, histological amoebae. The main method of infection is ignoring the rules of personal hygiene.

Worms, insects, arachnids are usually 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 fast reproduction speed and complex life cycle.

Where parasites can be found

Some parasites can live in certain 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 eating unwashed food.

Parasites can be found under human skin. These representatives include rishta. The pest enters the body when drinking raw water. Tourists who go on holiday to countries where rish is common are infected.

Internal organs infect flukes. 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 pets.

There are also eye parasites. They can be round, flat, ring-shaped, prickly. 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 sooner treatment is started, the faster it will be possible to deal with the pests and the fewer complications will occur.

Parasites in the human body can cause serious pathologies:

1. Some pests cause the development of acute 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 be started 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. If infected, there is a risk of developing a cyst.
3. Pests living in the gut can destroy its integrity. In addition, there is a risk of clogging.
4. Parasites deal a significant blow to the human immune system. The destruction of leukocytes and erythrocytes occurs. This almost immediately affects a person's general well-being.
5. Pests absorb nutrients from the human body. The risk of developing thyroid disease, anemia increases. In addition, the condition of the hairline and nail plates deteriorates.
6. The body is poisoned by toxic components. The waste products of parasites are poisonous to humans. The more of them, the worse the well-being of man. 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, weight loss, apathy and fatigue appear. Your young child may cry often and become restless. Visible dark circles appear under the eyes.

The baby is in a growth phase, so it is important for him to get 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 retarded.

The danger of parasites is that they can live in a person for months and years without feeling it. During this time, she will lose a lot of weight, will face a lack of nutrients. Possible complete exhaustion. 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 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 drugs.

The pre-eggs of the parasites enter the intestines. They are then absorbed into the bloodstream and the larvae are transferred to the body.

Parasites spread most rapidly in large groups of children. This is due to ignoring the rules of hygiene and too close contacts.

Symptoms 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 common and are almost invisible at first.

The first symptoms of parasites in the body are rapid and unreasonable weight loss, as well as the appearance of itching in the anus. It is possible to check for parasitic infections only by diagnosis. Symptoms of infection often include various nervous system disorders and general weakness in 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 gut, then digestive problems are inevitable. Diarrhea may alternate with constipation. There is a risk of increased flatulence and pain in the right hypochondrium.

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

One of the clearest signs of parasites is the spontaneous onset of allergy symptoms. In addition, allergic rhinitis or persistent dry cough may begin to bother you.

Diagnosis of helminthiasis

Only after the diagnosis and confirmation of the presence of worms can their treatment be started. To make sure that parasites are present, doctors use various diagnostic methods:

1. Macroscopic. For him, the patient's stool is taken for analysis. A microscope or magnifying glass is used as an accessory. This method is used to detect pinworms or roundworms.
2. Microscopic. For this, a thick smear is taken, which is further examined on a special membrane.
3. Immunological. In this case, antibodies to a certain type of helminth are sought in the blood. This method is used to search for a huge number of different parasites.
4. Biopsy. The presence of worms is determined by examining muscle tissue.
5. Instrumental. Such methods are used to determine the extent to which internal organs and tissues are damaged by parasites. These methods include ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography.

Treatment of parasite infestation

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

Treatment is chosen individually. The most effective therapy is chosen by the doctor, taking into account all the characteristics that are present in a particular patient.

Folk remedies for parasites in the human body

Traditional methods of treatment are no less effective than drugs. Their main advantage is complete 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 dosage is gradually increased.

Another effective remedy is wormwood tincture. Like garlic, it contains phytoncides. To prepare the drug 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's good to include lots 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 tbsp. tansy, wormwood, aspen bark. All components are poured into a glass of water and bring to the 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 intolerance to certain components. 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 reconsider your diet. You must include in the menu:

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

All these products have a negative impact on the activity of parasites.

Medicines for parasites

The drug is more effective. The main thing is to take all medications on purpose. It is important to know that they are powerful, so their use is possible only after prior consultation with a doctor.

Self-medication with worm drugs is strictly forbidden. There is a risk that the patient will only worsen his or her own health by using the wrong medications 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 safety 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 antiparasitic drugs to animals for prophylaxis;
• stop eating dirty fruits and vegetables;
• stop eating raw 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 in the main risk group.