Parasite testing in adults is a reliable way to detect intestinal and other forms of helminth infestation. Based on the results obtained during the research, the specialist prescribes suitable methods of treatment.
Test for parasites regularly, not when symptoms indicate worms. Similar studies are needed for both children and adults.
Basic ways
Cal
The traditional way to detect worms in humans is to analyze feces. During the study, specialists examine a fragment of feces for the presence of parasite eggs. To obtain the most reliable results, at least 2-4 studies are performed with an interval of several days.
It allows you to identify parasites such as:
- roundworms or roundworms;
- tapeworms (cestodes);
- flukes (flukes).
This analysis for parasites, being quite simple, cannot claim the reliability of the results.
To get a reliable result, it is desirable to submit a stool sample to the laboratory within 45 minutes after a bowel movement. If this is not possible, you can keep the container with the sample in the refrigerator, but no longer than 8 hours.
Histological coprogram
The next method used to diagnose worms in adults is a histological coprogram. This study involves microscopic analysis of the composition of feces based on the study of its section. Such a procedure will reveal the larvae of worms, fragments of their bodies, as well as the presence of mature mature individuals.
The disadvantage of this technique is the inability to determine the specific type of parasite that develops in the human body.
Blood
The most effective are studies based on the patient's blood. This analysis determines the antibodies and antigens contained in the blood for certain types of parasitic organisms. It also provides information about the type of helminth, its ability to reproduce and quantity.
Due to the fact that helminthic invasion is characterized by the release of toxic waste products of parasites, the composition of the blood changes. This allows doctors to suspect the presence of worms.
A variation of this study is the enzyme immunoassay.
The sensitivity of this method is quite high (reaches 90%). Even if other studies do not reveal the presence of worms, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test provides comprehensive data on the type and prevalence of helminths.
Blood sampling for the study is done on an empty stomach, from a vein.
The blood sample is examined within 2-5 days. The results obtained are deciphered by the attending physician.
The analysis will allow to trace the dynamics of the disease caused by helminthic invasion.
What parasitic diseases does this study detect? It:
- ascariasis;
- fasciolosis;
- amoebiasis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- giardiasis;
- opisthorchiasis;
- cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis;
- cysticercosis.
You can carry out tests for parasites in various private clinics, specialists in which guarantee quick results.
When to take
Sometimes helminthic invasions occur without pronounced symptoms, which greatly complicates both the possibility of diagnosis and timely treatment. However, there are characteristic features, among which are:
- persistent headaches;
- frequent colds;
- constipation;
- sleep disorders;
- brittle nails;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- intestinal disorder;
- itching in the anus.
Parasitic invasions are fraught with serious complications. A large number of worms connected by a ball can cause intestinal blockage. Among other dangerous consequences are hypovitaminosis, beriberi, anemia, jaundice, chronic cell damage that provokes the development of cancer.