Varieties of helminths in humans and their photos

As you know, parasites are considered the most resistant organisms to the external environment. To date, about 250 species have been identified as helminths capable of infecting humans. All of them pose a threat to the health, and in more severe cases, the lives of those infected. Knowledge about helminth species in humans and their characteristics greatly facilitates treatment and helps in designing an effective prevention plan.

What kind of worms do humans have?

It takes a long time to become fully acquainted with the types of worms. The fact is that, to date, scientists can not provide more detailed information on the classification of parasites. This is due to a greater extent to the fact that a certain area is characterized by the presence of specific helminthic invasions. In this regard, it is almost impossible to obtain data on all types of human helminths that exist on Earth.

Thus, worms, most often diagnosed in the southern area, practically do not occur in the population of the northern geographical regions. For temperate climates and temperate latitudes, about 20 species of worms are known to be the most common. They can be conditionally divided into 3 main categories:

• Round parasitic worms (nematodes).
• Cassette helmets.
Flatworms (trematodes).

1. Round and flat helminths

Each of the above groups includes a large variety of parasitic organisms that require a brief description. In children and adults, it is most often necessary to treat such representatives of worms belonging to the class of trematodes:

• Chinese hair;
• mace;
• liver fat.

Among nematodes, there are 7 of the most famous and common species of parasites that inhabit the body of any age. The roundworms that are transmitted in every possible way are:

• peg worms;
• round worm;
• intestinal acne;
• worm;
• Trichinella;
• trikostrongilidet;
• fat worms.

2. Cestode Invasions

Tapeworms (or cestodes) are parasitic worms that pose the greatest threat to the body. Diagnosis of such helminthic infections occurs much less frequently than roundworm infections in children and adults, however, infection with the following types of worms is fraught with more serious consequences:

• bullish ribbon;
• dwarf ribbon;
• pork ribbon;
• wide ribbon;
• ekinokoku;
• mouse bar.

One of the rarest types of helminthic infestations is acanthocephalus. These include the giant ridge and the beaded ridge. Such worms are able to enter the body in the rarest cases, for example, when they eat an insect or its larva infected with parasites.

Why are worms dangerous to humans?

To adequately assess the degree of threat to the patient's health in the event of helminth infestation, it is first necessary to determine which species of worms they belong to. Depending on the type of worm, its treatment and duration are determined. The main damage from the presence of parasites in the body is felt by the intestines - the predominant part of all helminths is localized in this organ. All the nutrients that a person needs to absorb and benefit from are selected by the worms.

Meanwhile, other types of worms not only settle in the gut and "steal" all the necessary micronutrients valuable from humans. They actively multiply and affect other organs and systems of human life. In addition to the heart muscle, liver and lungs, worms can cause major damage to the brain and blood vessels. Worms can also infect the eyes.

Main ways of worm infection

You can protect yourself and your loved ones from the onset of illness if you know how helminths of a particular species enter the body. This is the only way to take all the necessary measures in a timely manner and to minimize the risk of infection. It is known about the main transmission routes that:

1. Infection occurs through soil and water. When walking on the ground with bare feet, the risk of laying eggs inside increases several times. An unverified source of drinking and, in common cases, even water from an ordinary water supply may contain worm larvae.
2. Helminth eggs enter the body along with animal products. The result of helminthic invasions is insufficient or poor quality processing of meat, fish, seafood, eggs. People who prefer exotic Asian cuisine are at risk of contracting worms. He, sushi, sashimi are based on raw fish and meat.
3. Some types of parasites can settle in the gut once you have entered along with unwashed vegetables and fruits. Rejection of animal products does not solve the problem of the likelihood of developing helminthiasis. Worm eggs, as already mentioned, can be contained in the soil. It is recommended to pour boiling water over each fruit before use.
4. Worms are transmitted to humans and animals. Pets do not often become a source of infection for their owners. However, worms can be found both inside the animal and in its fur. From dogs and cats, parasite eggs fall to the ground, spreading further with melt water.

Transmission of parasites from sick people

Worms can also move from one infected person to another. There are several ways of transmitting helminthic invasions:

• through unwashed hands (for example, when shaking hands, hugging);
• when using regular utensils;
• when wearing someone else's underwear;
• group application of personal hygiene products by several people.

Worm eggs often pass from person to person, which often fall under the nail plates, staying there for a long time. The spread of this type of worm in children is explained by the neglect of the basic rules of cleanliness. A child can simply pull their hands into their mouths or bite their nails, so peg worms have no difficulty penetrating a new human body. The task of parents at this stage is to recognize in time the signs of helminthiasis and prevent the development of helminthic invasions in their baby, starting immediately to treat the disease.

Symptoms of the acute phase of helminthiasis

It is not easy to detect early signs of a parasitic infection in an adult or child. Diagnosing the presence of worms is complicated by the fact that the incubation period in some species can last up to a year and a half.

As a rule, the first symptoms of worm infection appear after different periods of time. In addition, the course of helminthiasis can be conditionally divided into 2 stages:

1. acute phase (lasts on average no more than two months after the incubation period);
2. chronic (characterized by the development of sexually mature parasites and can last for decades).

In the acute phase of the invasion, the main, clearly expressed symptoms can be called an allergic reaction. As a result of the production of antibodies in the migration of parasitic larvae, pathological manifestations on the skin must be reported. An indication of infection with any type of worm in humans are the following symptoms:

• skin hyperemia;
• burning and itching sensation;
• small eruptions on the surface of the epidermis or mucous membranes;
• slight increase in lymph nodes;
• local edema;
• sternal pain (up to choking attacks);
• vomiting and persistent nausea;
• diarrhea or constipation.

In addition, dangerous pathologies such as pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis can become complications of occurrence in the body of other creatures.

A reliable confirmation of the presence of helminths in the internal organs is the index of eosinophils in the clinical blood test. The increased value of these particles is caused by dysproteinemia - a violation of the normal numerical proportion between protein fractions.

Types of symptoms in the chronic form of the disease

Signs of chronic helminthiasis in humans are predetermined by the localization of parasite colonization. In simple terms: the manifestations of the disease will depend on which organ will become the main habitat for a particular type of worm.

In particular, the most common parasitism in the intestines of roundworms can continue even without the slightest symptoms. If larger species are affected by worms, the signs of the disease will become apparent as soon as the worms reach puberty. Dyspeptic disorders in an adult and a child, pain syndrome and neurotic manifestations are their characteristic features. Ascariasis is often characterized by the development of intestinal obstruction and pancreatitis, and the risk of oncological diseases increases.

Medicines against parasites

it is necessary to undergo treatment for helminthiasis at the earliest possible stage. An effective therapy would be if, before you start, you know exactly what kind of parasite is placed in the body. Today there are many anthelmintic drugs.

These are different types of drugs that can target a specific type of worm. The strongest worm remedies are broad spectrum medications and are excellent for treating combined helminthiasis. Both are considered toxic, have many side effects and contraindications. The use of such drugs should be carried out very carefully only after a medical recommendation.

Most types of worms in an adult take a long time and constantly. Often, parasitologists prescribe the simultaneous administration of several antihelminthic drugs.

The regimen and dosage of a specific medicine should be designed exclusively by a specialist. This will help to avoid allergies and serious side effects. For some types of helminthic infection, treatment should be repeated. This is often due to the fact that during the first therapy most adult worms were neutralized, but some forms of worm larvae and eggs still remain in the patient's body. If left untreated, the worms will return again.

Basic Prevention Measures

Medication therapy is undoubtedly an important part of the process of getting rid of, and in some cases, preventing parasites. However, to deal with invasive worms, you need to follow the simplest rules for preventing worms. The treatment will not work if you ignore the following rules:

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
• If it is not possible to clean the skin of your hands with soap, it is advisable to use wet antibacterial wipes.
• Any food should be thoroughly rinsed before cooking.
• It is important to expose meat and fish to prolonged heat exposure.
• Use only water from reliable sources for drinking.
• At least once a year, it is extremely important to get tested for worms.