Doctors recommend having a blood test for parasites regularly, because even with adherence to hygiene rules, it is not always possible to protect yourself from infection by them. For preventive purposes, this procedure should be performed in 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, a diagnosis is necessary.
Infection routes
Worms can enter the body in several ways. Doctors identify four main pathways:
- through soil and then water (helminths enter the soil along with feces);
- person to person per contact;
- through raw and undercooked meat or fish;
- by means of insects.
The reproduction of worms in the human body is excluded. Each type of helminth has a certain lifespan.
An increase in worms in the body occurs only when they are reinfected. 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 expressed in strong weight loss, pale skin, a person is worried about itching in the anus. But there are other manifestations that are disguised as other diseases.
- Digestive tract disorders. The person is concerned about stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. In the process of vital activity, some worms secrete specific substances that cause diarrhea.
- Alteration of the normal functioning of the nervous system. Helminths release toxins that can cause intoxication 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 her body.
- Decreased immunity. As a result of the weak defense of the body, concomitant diseases can develop in humans.
There is an opinion that if a person grinds their teeth or snores at night, their body is affected by helminths, but these data have not been scientifically confirmed.
In the presence of one or more of the listed symptoms, it is necessary to diagnose the presence of worms in the body. 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 of detecting worms. During the study, doctors find the eggs of the worms. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to donate stool again. However, the analysis shown is not a reliable diagnostic method, as the worms may not lay eggs for a long time.
Blood test
A blood test for 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 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 investigative 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 passes a cotton swab through the folds of the skin near the anus. The resulting sample is sent to the laboratory for further investigation. 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 lab.
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. With this method, it is possible to detect both microscopic and large parasites. This parasite analysis 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 complete information on 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 type of worms have settled in the body. The enzymatic reaction will allow a more detailed study of the identified type of helminths and will visually measure the data obtained.
In response to invasion by a foreign body, the body responds by producing antibodies against it.
In case of damage to the body by worms in the blood, antibodies are produced against 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 at 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 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 food intake is negligible, it can still affect the final result of the study.
On the day of the parasite test, only water intake is allowed.
To obtain the most reliable results, in addition to these basic rules, before passing the ELISA test, you should pay attention to the following recommendations.
- Three days before the test, you must stop taking medicine. Let's 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 beverages 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 ELISA blood test time.
Successful 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 bought in the markets must be washed thoroughly. According to studies, worm eggs often accumulate in vegetables and fruits.
Care must be taken when buying meat and fish. It is important to buy only meat that has passed the veterinary check. Meat and fish must be cooked well.
If there are animals in the house, you should always wash your hands after them. Pets should take regular worm prophylaxis.