Examination for parasites in adults is a reliable way to detect intestinal and other forms of helminth infestations. Based on the results obtained during the examination, the specialist prescribes appropriate treatment methods.
Get tested for parasites regularly, not when symptoms indicate the presence of worms. Similar studies are needed for both children and adults.
Basic ways
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The traditional way to detect worms in humans is through stool analysis. During the examination, specialists examine a fragment of feces for the presence of parasite eggs. To get the most reliable results, at least 2-4 tests are carried out with an interval of several days.
It makes it possible to identify parasites such as:
- nematodes or roundworms;
- tapeworms (cestodes);
- trematodes (flukes).
This analysis for parasites, since it is quite simple, cannot claim the reliability of the results.
To obtain a reliable result, it is desirable to deliver a stool sample to the laboratory within 45 minutes after a bowel movement. If this is not possible, you can store the container with the sample in the refrigerator, but not more than 8 hours.
Histological coprogram
The next method used to diagnose worms in adults is a histological coprogram. This study includes a microscopic analysis of the composition of the stool based on the examination of its section. Such a procedure will reveal the larvae of the worms, fragments of their bodies, as well as the presence of mature adults.
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 tests based on the patient's blood. This analysis determines the antibodies and antigens contained in the blood to certain types of parasitic organisms. It also provides information on the type of helminth, its ability to reproduce and the amount.
Due to the fact that the helminth invasion is characterized by the release of toxic waste products from parasites, the composition of the blood changes. This allows doctors to suspect the presence of worms.
A variant of this research is the enzyme immunoassay.
The sensitivity of this method is quite high (up to 90%). Even if other tests do not reveal the presence of worms, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provides comprehensive data on the type and distribution of helminths.
Blood is taken for the study on an empty stomach, from a vein.
The blood sample is tested within 2-5 days. The obtained results are deciphered by the attending physician.
The analysis will allow to track the dynamics of the disease caused by helminthic invasion.
What parasitic diseases are found in this examination? It:
- ascariasis;
- fasciolosis;
- amebiasis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- giardiasis;
- opisthorchosis;
- cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis;
- cysticercosis.
You can take tests for parasites in various private clinics, whose specialists guarantee a quick result.
When to take
Sometimes helminth infestations occur without pronounced symptoms, which greatly complicates both the possibility of diagnosis and timely treatment. However, there are characteristic features, among which:
- constant headaches;
- frequent colds;
- constipation;
- sleep disorder;
- nail brittleness;
- the appearance of cracks on the heels;
- bowel disorder;
- itching in the anus.
Parasitic infestations are fraught with serious complications. A large number of worms attached to a ball can cause intestinal obstruction. Among other dangerous consequences are hypovitaminosis, beriberi, anemia, jaundice, chronic damage to cells, which provokes the development of cancer.