Doctors recommend doing a blood test for parasites on a regular basis, because even if hygiene rules are observed, it is not always possible to protect yourself from infection by them. For preventive purposes, this procedure should be done for children and adults. Helminths can remain in the human body for more than 12 years without showing any symptoms. To detect the presence of parasites, it is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Ways of infection
Worms can enter the body in several ways. Doctors identify four main pathways:
- through the soil and then water (the helminths enter the soil together with the faeces);
- from person to person by 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 lifetime.
An increase in worms in the body occurs only when they are reinfected. To reduce the risk of infection, people should practice good hygiene.
Symptoms of worm infestation
The general signs of the presence of worms in the human body are expressed in a marked loss of weight, pale skin, a person is worried about itching in the anus. But there are other manifestations that disguise themselves as other diseases.
- Disorders of the digestive tract. The person is concerned about stomach pains, 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 poisoning in the body. This in turn negatively affects the state of the nervous system.
- Allergic reaction. A person infected with worms may have a rash on the body.
- Reduced immunity. As a result of the body's weak defense, concomitant diseases can develop in humans.
There is an opinion that if a person grits 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 presence of worms in the body. You will need to have a blood test for parasites.
Basic diagnostic methods
There are several main ways to diagnose helminths in the human body.
Stool analysis
Stool analysis is the traditional method for detecting worms. During the study, doctors find the worm eggs. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to donate the stool again. However, the analysis presented is not a reliable diagnostic method, since worms can take a long time to lay eggs.
Blood test
A blood test for the presence of parasites is a more reliable method and allows you to detect worms at an early stage. All the 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.
When parasites are present in the body, a large number of eosinophils are found in the blood. The diagnosis will need to be confirmed by additional research methods. There are many types of blood tests and they may have different names.
Scraping for enterobiasis
To detect worms in the body, the doctor prescribes a scrape for the patient for enterobiasis. During the procedure, the doctor swabs the skin folds close to the anus. The resulting sample is sent to the laboratory for future 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.
Immunoassay blood test
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is a specific study that makes it possible to accurately diagnose the presence of helminths in children and adults. Using this method, it is possible to detect microscopic and large parasites. This analysis of parasites is based on the search for antibodies.
The blood for the enzyme immunoassay is drawn from a vein. Then it is centrifuged and the blood serum is examined.
The ELISA results provide complete information about 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 what type of worms have settled in the body. The enzymatic reaction will allow a more detailed study of the types of helminths identified, in addition to visually measuring 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 by worms in the blood, antibodies are produced for toxins and worm residues. This technique is based on the study of these antibodies.
The blood test takes 2 to 4 days. It can be done at any state clinic. It is also possible to conduct a similar study in private clinics.
What other analyzes are there?
In addition to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 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 the worm infestation.
How to prepare for the test
Blood for parasites must be donated in the morning. It is advisable not to eat anything before the procedure - although food intake is negligible, 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 ELISA analysis, you need to pay attention to the following recommendations.
- Three days before the test, you need to stop taking your medications. Take only the vital medicines for the body.
- Before the procedure, one should not make any effort physically or emotionally.
- It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages and strong coffee the day before the procedure.
- If antiparasitic therapy was performed the day before the test, it is best to temporarily postpone the procedure.
- Physical therapy procedures can affect the test result, therefore, two procedures should be ignored before the time of the ELISA blood test.
The analysis conducted correctly shows absolutely all the parasites that are present in the human body.
How to protect yourself from worms
Worms most often enter the body through dirty hands, so it is necessary to observe their hygiene.
Vegetables and fruits bought in the markets must be washed well. According to the studies carried out, worm eggs usually accumulate in vegetables and fruits.
Care should be taken when buying meat and fish. It is important to buy only meat that has undergone veterinary control. Meat and fish must be well cooked.
If there are animals in the house, you should always wash your hands after them. Pets must regularly carry out prophylaxis against worms.