Screening for parasites in adults is a reliable method for detecting intestinal and other forms of helminthic infestations. Based on the results obtained during the study, the specialist prescribes appropriate treatment methods.
Test for parasites regularly, not when symptoms indicate the presence of worms. Similar studies are needed for both children and adults.
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The traditional way to detect worms in humans is through stool analysis. During the study, experts examine a piece of feces for the presence of parasite eggs. To get the most reliable results, at least 2-4 studies are performed with an interval of several days.
Allows you to identify parasites, for example:
- nematodes or roundworms;
- tapeworms (cestodes);
- trematodes (flukes).
Since this analysis for parasites is quite simple, it cannot claim the reliability of the results.
To obtain a reliable result, it is recommended to bring the stool sample to the laboratory within 45 minutes after a bowel movement. If this is not possible, then you can keep the container with the sample in the refrigerator, but not more than 8 hours.
Histological coprogram
The next method used to diagnose worms in adults is a histological copogram. This study involves the microscopic analysis of the composition of feces based on the study of its section. Such a procedure will detect the larvae of worms, fragments of their bodies, as well as the presence of mature adults.
The disadvantage of this technique is that it is impossible to determine the specific type of parasite that develops in the human body.
blood
The most effective are studies based on the patient's blood. This test detects antibodies and antigens against certain types of parasitic organisms in the blood. It also provides information on the type, reproduction capacity and quantity of helminths.
Because helminthic infestation is characterized by the release of toxic waste products of 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 (up to 90%). Even if no other studies reveal the presence of worms, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provides comprehensive information on the type and distribution of helminths.
A blood sample for research is taken from a vein on an empty stomach.
The blood sample is examined within 2-5 days. The results obtained are deciphered by the attending physician.
The analysis will allow monitoring the dynamics of the disease caused by helminthic invasion.
What parasitic diseases are detected by this study? He:
- ascariasis;
- fasciolosis;
- amoebiasis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- giardiasis;
- opisthorchosis;
- cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis;
- cysticercosis.
You can take tests for parasites in various private clinics whose specialists guarantee quick results.
When to take
Sometimes helminthic invasions occur without obvious symptoms, which complicates both the possibility of diagnosis and timely treatment. However, there are characteristic features, among which:
- persistent headaches;
- frequent colds;
- constipation;
- sleep disorder;
- fragility of nails;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- bowel disorder;
- itching in the anus.
Parasitic infestations are fraught with serious complications. A large number of worms bound in a ball can cause intestinal obstruction. Other dangerous consequences include hypovitaminosis, beriberi, anemia, jaundice, chronic cell damage that leads to the development of cancer.