The opinion that parasitic infection is always accompanied by a characteristic clinical picture is wrong.Helminthic infection often occurs in the absence of disturbing symptoms.If the treatment is not carried out in time, it can lead to very catastrophic consequences, including: poisoning of the body, diseases of the digestive system and other internal organs.Parasite detection tests help determine the presence of foreign organisms and choose the best treatment option.Systematic research is needed in both adults and children.
Timely examinations help to avoid various complications when the body is affected by parasites.
Indications for testing
In the vast majority of cases, the infection of the body with parasites is accompanied by characteristic symptoms that are quite difficult not to notice.But in the early stages of helminthic infection, the clinical picture is practically not expressed.The presence of protozoa in the human body during this period can only be determined by a parasite test.
Among the main signs, the presence of which literally obliges a person to examine parasites, include:
- Itching in the anal area, especially at night, is bothersome because the parasites have laid eggs.
- Digestive disorders manifested in the form of constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn.
- Fatigue, lethargy, weakness.
- Reduced immunity and resistance of the body, susceptibility to infectious and viral diseases.
- General malaise, pale face and body skin, which develops due to the lack of beneficial microelements in the body, which are absorbed by the parasites.
- Loss of appetite or, on the contrary, excessive craving for food.
- Weight reduction to a critical level.Usually this happens only when the parasites have infected the body for a long time and the number of individuals is close to critical.
Due to non-observance of the basic rules of personal hygiene, younger children are most susceptible to infection with parasites.But adults can also have parasites.It is much easier to get infected with helminths than many people think.
In order to avoid complications and deterioration, it is recommended to have an examination at least once or twice a year.It is advisable to carry out the examination in the summer and autumn periods, since the peak incidence occurs most often in this period.
A variety of effective methods
Modern practical medicine offers a wide range of different tests for the presence of different parasites in adults and children, each of which has clear advantages and disadvantages.In order to achieve the most reliable results possible, it is recommended to perform several types of tests at the same time.This approach helps identify parasites even in the early stages of infection.
The most effective and commonly used methods are:
- stool analysis;
- hemolymph analysis;
- smear or scratch test.
In some cases, if a helminthic infection is detected, a number of additional tests are required.Methods such as computed tomography, X-ray examination, ultrasound examination can be used.The need arises from the fact that the activity of parasites often leads to damage to internal organs and the development of cumulative diseases.
Blood test
A blood test for the presence of almost all types of parasites in the body is the most reliable compared to other methods, and allows detection of infection even at an early stage.One of the most commonly used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays is based on the identification of parasite-induced changes in hemolymph composition.
The characteristic pathological changes in the blood are caused by the release of waste products from the parasites and the subsequent poisoning of the body.As a result of such factors, the body's immune system begins to produce antibodies.Their quantity determines the degree of helminthic infection or its absence.
Examining the composition of the blood allows not only the presence of helminthic infection, but also the types of parasites, their approximate amount and the degree of damage to the body.In order to achieve the most accurate results, it is recommended to follow certain rules regarding the blood donation procedure: it is better to collect the biological material on an empty stomach and only in the morning.
The reliability of the enzyme immunoassay is about 90% and allows the identification of most known parasite species.In addition, one of the advantages of studying hemolymph is that it can identify protozoan microorganisms that do not parasitize in the intestines, but in other organs such as the lungs or liver.
Stool analysis
Conventional stool analysis is most often used to identify individuals parasitizing the human body.This method is only reliable if at least 60-90 days have passed since the infection.In addition, the results of the fecal examination can only reveal the presence of parasites in the body that can only parasitize in the intestines, these are: nematodes, flukes, tapeworms.
Fecal analysis for parasites should usually be performed at least two or three times, at intervals of several days.This measure is necessary to achieve more reliable results.Performing a single test often gives false negative results, which is due to the peculiarities of the life cycle of parasitic individuals.
The analysis procedure includes the examination of feces for the presence of eggs, larvae and adults.If there were no parasite eggs in the biomaterial at the time of stool collection, the test will be false negative despite the actual presence of parasite infection.In order to increase the probability of obtaining reliable results, it is recommended to follow some basic rules regarding the submission of biological material:
- Feces must be collected in the morning, no later than 11 a.m. local time.
- The optimal weight of the biomaterial is one third of the standard container required for analysis, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, but less may be needed.
- This test should be done when the patient's body and skin around the anus itch.This sign indicates that, in addition to parasites, helminth eggs are also present in the human body.
- It is advisable to deliver the biological material to the laboratory within 30-40 minutes of collection at the latest.In this case, the results are as close as possible to reliability.If this is not possible, the biomaterial must be stored refrigerated.
A stool test for any parasite should be done along with other types of tests to identify helminths.Only testing with two or more methods gives reliable results.It is advisable to repeat the parasite analysis at least once a year to detect helminthic infection.In addition, if eating disorders occur, a parasite test should be performed.
Scratch test
Examination of scraping from the folds of the tissues of the anus is one of the simplest and least reliable.Determining whether there is a parasite in the body is only possible if the time of material collection coincides with the egg-laying period of the parasitic individuals.However, this method is most often used in younger children to detect helminthic infections.
During the procedure, biological material is collected from tissue folds in the subject's anus with sterile adhesive tape or a cotton swab.In order to achieve the most reliable results, it is recommended to perform the analysis at least three or four times.
Reliability of the research
In order to obtain reliable results during tests for the presence of parasites, it is necessary to initially follow all the rules for collecting the test material.In addition, it is recommended to conduct at least two types of research at the same time, through which it is possible to identify individuals that parasitize not only in the intestines, but also in other organs and tissues.
In terms of reliability, fecal examination and anal scraping are less effective.This is due to the fact that the results of such tests can be falsely negative, both due to the absence of eggs and adults in the feces, and due to the elementary inattention of the laboratory assistant performing the analysis.
How to check the presence of helminths in the body to get the most accurate results?Which parasite tests are the most reliable?In order to quickly identify helminths and start appropriate therapy, several basic rules must be followed:
- The procedure for carrying out the tests must be carried out in accordance with the prescribed rules.
- It is advisable to repeat any type of examination at least twice, with an interval of several days.
- It is advisable to collect biomaterial for stool analysis when symptoms such as itching and burning of the anus occur.
It should be remembered that an adult should be examined once a year.Children, especially the younger age groups, are at risk, so the child must be checked at least every three months.
The cost of the procedure
The procedure for testing biological substances for the presence of parasites in the body can be carried out in almost all medical institutions, both public and commercial.But it should be noted that not all clinics carry out blood tests to determine parasites, while simpler tests are carried out almost everywhere.
How much might this type of research cost?The cost of a blood test can vary significantly depending on the region and the type of health facility.The cost of a stool test is slightly lower.
Periodic testing of biological materials is an important and necessary measure.Timely identification of parasitic individuals eliminates poisoning of the body and immediately applies therapy.The lack of proper treatment can lead not only to poisoning, i.e. poisoning of the body with waste materials of helminths, but also to the development of inflammatory diseases of the internal organs.