Doctors recommend regularly taking a blood test for parasites, because even with the observance of hygienic rules, it is not always possible to protect yourself from infection with them. For preventive purposes, this procedure must be done 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 carry out a diagnosis.
Infection paths
Worms can enter the body in several ways. Doctors identify four main pathways:
- through the ground, and then water (helminths enter the soil along with feces);
- from person to person by contact;
- through raw, poorly cooked meat or fish;
- by means of insects.
Reproduction of worms in the human body is excluded. Each type of helminth has a certain life span.
An increase in worms in the body occurs only when they are re-infected. To reduce the risk of infection, people must practice good hygiene.
Worm infestation symptoms
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 that are 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 negatively affects the state of the nervous system.
- Allergic reaction. A person infected with worms may have a rash on their body.
- Decreased immunity. As a result of the weak defense of the body, concomitant diseases may 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 this data has 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
Stool analysis is the traditional method for detecting worms. During the study, doctors find the eggs of the worms. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to donate feces again. However, the analysis shown is not a reliable diagnostic method, since the worms may not lay eggs for a long time.
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 processes that occur in the human body are reflected in the blood. This type of diagnosis makes it possible not only to identify worms, but also to determine its 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 need to be confirmed by additional research methods. There are many types of blood tests, and they can be called differently.
Scraping for enterobiasis
To detect pinworms in the body, the doctor prescribes a scraping to the patient for enterobiasis. During the procedure, the doctor runs a cotton swab over the skin folds near the anus. The resulting sample is sent to the laboratory for further research. The same procedure is done with duct 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 allows you to accurately diagnose the presence of helminths in children and adults. Using this method, it is possible to detect both microscopic parasites and large ones. This analysis for parasites is based on the search for antibodies.
Blood for enzyme immunoassay is taken from a vein. Then it is centrifuged and the blood serum is examined.
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 which type of worms has settled in the body. The enzymatic reaction will allow for 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 to it.
In case of damage to the body by worms in the blood, antibodies are produced to toxins and waste products of worms. This technique is based on the study of these antibodies.
The blood test will take 2-4 days. It can be done in 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 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. Thereafter, she is immediately transported to the laboratory. These informative 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 advisable 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.
In order to get the most reliable results, in addition to these basic rules, before passing the analysis for ELISA, you need to pay attention to the following recommendations.
- Three days before the analysis, you need to stop taking medications. Let us take only 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 drinks and strong coffee the day before the procedure.
- If antiparasitic therapy was carried out on the eve of the test, it is better to temporarily postpone the procedure.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures can affect the test result, therefore two procedures should be skipped before the time for the ELISA blood test.
Correctly conducted analysis shows absolutely all parasites that are 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 fruits purchased from the markets must be thoroughly washed. According to the studies conducted, eggs of worms often accumulate on vegetables and fruits.
Care should be taken when purchasing meat and fish. It is important to buy only meat that has passed veterinary control. Meat and fish should be thoroughly cooked.
If there are animals in the house, you should always wash your hands after them. Pets should regularly carry out prophylaxis against worms.