Doctors recommend that you regularly take a blood test for parasites, because even with observance of the rules of hygiene, it is not always possible to protect yourself from infection with them. For preventive purposes, this procedure should be performed both for children and adults. Helminths can stay 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.
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 with the feces);
- person-to-person by contact;
- by raw and undercooked meat or fish;
- by means of insects.
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 re-infected. To reduce the risk of infection, people should practice good hygiene.
Symptoms of worm infestation
General signs of the presence of worms in the human body are manifested by sudden weight loss, pale skin, a person worries 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 and 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 of the body. In turn, this negatively affects the state of the nervous system.
- Allergic reaction. A person infected with worms can get a rash on their body.
- Decreased immunity. Due to 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 this data has not been scientifically confirmed.
In the presence of one or more of the listed symptoms, it is necessary to diagnose the presence of worms on the body. You will need to do a blood test for the parasites.
Basic diagnostic methods
There are several main methods for diagnosing helminths in the human body.
Stool analysis
Stool testing is the traditional method of detecting worms. During the study, the doctors found the eggs of the worms. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to donate feces again. However, the presented analysis 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 the processes that occur 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 wastes.
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 can be called differently.
Scratching for enterobiosis
To detect pinworms in the body, the doctor prescribes a scraping to the patient for enterobiosis. During the procedure, the doctor passes a cotton swab over the skin folds near the anus. The obtained sample is sent to the laboratory for further research. The same procedure is carried out 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 lab.
Immunoassay 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, it is possible to detect both microscopic and large parasites. This analysis of parasites is based on the search for antibodies.
Blood for the enzyme immunoassay is drawn from a vein. Then it is centrifuged and the blood serum is examined.
ELISA results provide comprehensive 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 to know what kind of worms have settled in the body. The enzymatic reaction will allow a more detailed study of the type of helminth identified, and to visually measure the data obtained.
In response to an invasion of a foreign object, the body reacts by producing antibodies against it.
In the event of bodily damage caused by worms in the blood, antibodies are produced against toxins and wastes from worms. This technique is based on the study of these antibodies.
The blood test will take 2-4 days. It can be done at any public clinic. It is also possible to undergo a similar study in private clinics.
What are the other analyzes?
In addition to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test, parasites can be determined by other means.
The following blood tests were 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 must donate blood from a vein. It is then immediately transported to the laboratory. These informative methods can show the extent of the 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 the food intake is insignificant, it can still affect the end result of the study.
On the day of the parasite test, only water intake is authorized.
In order to get the most reliable results, in addition to these basic rules, before you pass the analysis for ELISA, you should pay attention to the following recommendations.
- Three days before the test, you must stop taking medication. Let us take only the vital drugs for the body.
- Before the procedure, you should not tire yourself physically or emotionally.
- It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages and strong coffee the day before the procedure.
- If an antiparasitic treatment was carried out the day before the test, it is preferable to temporarily postpone the procedure.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures can affect the test result, therefore two procedures must be skipped before the time of the ELISA blood test.
Properly conducted analysis shows absolutely all the 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 respect their hygiene.
Vegetables and fruits bought in markets should be washed thoroughly. According to studies, worm eggs often accumulate on vegetables and fruits.
Care should be taken when purchasing meat and fish. It is important to only buy meat that has passed veterinary control. Meat and fish should be well cooked.
If there are animals in the house, you should always wash your hands after them. Pets should regularly perform prophylaxis against worms.