Doctors recommend regularly carrying out a blood test for parasites, because even with the observance of hygiene rules, it is not always possible to protect yourself from infection with them. For preventive purposes, this procedure should be carried out for both children and adults. Helminths can be in the human body for more than a dozen years without showing any symptoms. To detect the presence of parasites, it is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Paths of Infection
Worms can enter the body in several ways. Doctors identify four main pathways:
- through the soil, then water (helminths enter the soil along with feces);
- from person to person via contact;
- through raw and undercooked meat or fish;
- by means of insects.
The reproduction of worms in the human body is excluded. Each type of helminth has a certain lifespan.
An increase in worms in the body only occurs when they are reinfected. To reduce the risk of infection, people need to practice good hygiene.
Symptoms of worm infestation
The general signs of the presence of worms in the human body are expressed in a sharp weight loss, pale skin, a person is worried about itching in the anus. But there are other manifestations disguised as other diseases.
- Disorders of the digestive tract. The person is worried about stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. In the process of vital activity, some worms secrete specific substances that cause diarrhea.
- Disruption of the normal functioning of the nervous system. Helminths release toxins, which can cause intoxication of the body. In turn, this adversely affects the state of the nervous system.
- Allergic reaction. A person infected with worms may have a rash on the body.
- Decreased immunity. As a result of the weak defense of the body, concomitant diseases can develop in humans.
There is an opinion that if a person grinds his teeth or snores at night, his body is affected by helminths, but these data have not been scientifically confirmed.
In the presence of one or more of the listed symptoms, it is necessary to diagnose the body for the presence of worms. You will need to do a blood test for parasites.
Basic diagnostic methods
There are several main ways to diagnose helminths in the human body.
Stool analysis
Feces analysis is the traditional method of detecting worms. During the study, doctors find the eggs of the worms. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to donate stool again. However, the analysis shown is not a reliable diagnostic method, as the worms may not lay eggs for a long time.
Blood test
A blood test for parasites is a more reliable method and allows you to detect worms at an early stage. All processes that take place in the human body are reflected in the blood. This type of diagnosis allows not only to identify worms, but also to determine their type. In the presence of worms in the blood, you can find their waste products.
When parasites are present in the body, a large number of eosinophils will be found in the blood. The diagnosis will have to be confirmed by additional research methods. There are many types of blood tests and they can be called differently.
Curettage for enterobiasis
To detect pinworms in the body, the doctor prescribes a curettage for the patient for enterobiasis. During the procedure, the doctor runs a cotton ball on the skin folds near the anus. The resulting sample is sent to the laboratory for further research. The same procedure is done with adhesive tape applied to the folds. Then the tape is placed on the glass, glued and removed, and the glass itself is sent to the laboratory.
Immunological blood test
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent test is a specific study that allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of helminths in children and adults. Using this method, both microscopic and large parasites can be detected. This parasite analysis is based on the search for antibodies.
Blood for the enzyme immunoassay is drawn from a vein. It is then centrifuged and the blood serum is examined.
ELISA results provide comprehensive information on the presence of helminths in the body and their type.
The enzyme immunoassay consists of two main components:
- immune response;
- enzymatic reaction.
Thanks to the immune response it is possible to detect the presence of parasites and find out which type of worms have settled in the organism. The enzymatic reaction will allow a more detailed study of the identified type of helminths and visually measure the data obtained.
In response to the invasion of a foreign body, the body responds by producing antibodies against it.
In case of damage to the body caused by worms in the blood, antibodies to the toxins and waste products of the worms are produced. This technique is based on the study of these antibodies.
The blood test will take 2-4 days. It can be done at any state clinic. It is also possible to undergo a similar study in private clinics.
What other analyzes are there?
In addition to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test, parasites can be determined in other ways.
The following blood tests are used for the study:
- indirect hemagglutination reaction;
- immunofluorescence reaction.
Both methods are also used to determine antibodies in blood serum.
To make a diagnosis, you need to donate blood from a vein. After that, she is immediately transported to the laboratory. These informational methods can show the extent of worm infestation.
How to prepare for the test
Blood for parasites should be donated in the morning. It is recommended not to eat anything before the procedure - although food intake is insignificant, it can still affect the final result of the study.
On the day of the parasite test, only water intake is allowed.
To obtain the most reliable results, in addition to these basic rules, before passing the analysis for ELISA, you should pay attention to the following recommendations.
- Three days before the analysis, it is necessary to stop taking medication. We only take those drugs that are vital for the body.
- Before the procedure, one should not strain physically or emotionally.
- It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages and strong coffee the day before the procedure.
- If antiparasite therapy was performed on the eve of the test, it is better to temporarily postpone the procedure.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures can affect the test result, therefore it is necessary to skip two procedures before the time of the ELISA blood test.
A correctly conducted analysis shows absolutely all parasites present in the human body.
How to protect yourself from worms
Worms in most cases enter the body through dirty hands, so it is necessary to observe their hygiene.
Vegetables and fruit bought in the markets must be washed thoroughly. According to studies conducted, worm eggs often accumulate on fruits and vegetables.
Care must be taken when buying meat and fish. It is important to only buy meat that has passed veterinary control. Meat and fish must be well cooked.
If there are pets in the house, you should always wash your hands after them. Pets should regularly carry out worm prophylaxis.