Doctors recommend regular blood tests for parasites, as it is not always possible to protect yourself from infection even if hygiene rules are followed. For preventive purposes, this procedure should 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 make a diagnosis.
Pathways of infection
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 the feces);
- from person to person through contact;
- by raw, undercooked meat or fish;
- with the help of insects.
The reproduction of worms in the human body is excluded. Each type of helminth has a certain lifespan.
The increase in worms in the body occurs only when they become infected again. To reduce the risk of infection, people should practice good hygiene.
Symptoms of a worm attack
General signs of the presence of worms in the human body are expressed in abrupt weight loss, pale skin, a person worried about itching in the anus. But there are other manifestations that are disguised as other diseases.
- Digestive disorders. 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 that can cause intoxication of the body. In turn, this has a negative effect on the state of the nervous system.
- Allergic reaction. A person infected with worms may have a rash on the body.
- Decreased immunity. Concomitant diseases can develop in humans as a result of the body's weak defenses.
It is believed that if a person grinds 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 these symptoms, it is necessary to diagnose the body for the presence of worms. You will need to have a blood test for parasites.
Basic diagnostic methods
There are several basic ways to diagnose helminths in the human body.
Stool analysis
Stool analysis is the traditional method of detecting worms. During the study, doctors found the worms' eggs. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to donate stool again. However, the analysis shown is not a reliable diagnostic method, as worms may not lay eggs for a long time.
Blood test
The blood test for 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 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 enterobiosis
To detect pinworms in the body, the doctor prescribes scraping to the patient for enterobiosis. 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 testing. The same procedure is done with duct tape applied to the folds. The tape is then placed on the glass, glued and removed, and the glass itself is sent to the laboratory.Blood test for immunoassay
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 and large parasites. This analysis for parasites is based on the demand for antibodies.
Blood for enzyme immunoassay is taken from a vein. The blood serum is then centrifuged and examined.
ELISA results provide complete information on the presence of helminths in the body and their type.
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 determine which type of worm has settled in the body. The enzymatic reaction will allow a more detailed study of the identified type of helminths and visual measurement of 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, antibodies to toxins and waste products of worms are produced in the blood. This technique is based on the study of these antibodies.
The blood test will take 2-4 days. It can be done in any public clinic. It is also possible to undergo a similar study in private clinics.
What other analyzes are there?
In addition to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, parasites can be identified in other ways.
The following blood tests are used for the test:
- indirect haemagglutination reaction;
- Immunofluorescence reaction.
Both methods are also used to detect antibodies in the 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 degree of worm infestation.
How to prepare for the test
Blood for parasites should be given in the morning. It is recommended that you do not eat anything before the procedure - although food intake is insignificant, it can still affect the final result of the test.
Only water intake is allowed on the day of the parasite test.
To get the most reliable results, in addition to these basic rules, before passing the ELISA test, you should pay attention to the following recommendations.- You must stop taking the medication three days before the test. Let's take only those drugs that are vital to the body.
- One should not strain physically or emotionally before the procedure.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages and strong coffee the day before the procedure is not recommended.
- If antiparasitic therapy is performed on the eve of the test, it is better to temporarily postpone the procedure.
- Physiotherapy procedures can affect the test result, so two procedures should be skipped before the ELISA blood test time.
Proper analysis shows absolutely all the 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 bought from the markets must be well washed. According to research, red eggs often accumulate on vegetables and fruits.
Care must be taken when buying meat and fish. It is important to buy only meat that has passed 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 should have regular worm prophylaxis.