Doctors recommend regular blood tests for parasites, because even with good hygiene, it is not always possible to protect yourself from infection. For preventive purposes, this procedure should be performed on both children and adults. Helminths can be present in the human body for more than twelve years without any symptoms. To detect the presence of parasites, it is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Routes of Infection
Worms can enter the body in a variety of ways. Doctors identify four main pathways:
- through the soil and then water (helminths enter the soil along with the feces).
- from person to person through contact.
- through raw, poorly cooked meat or fish.
- through insects.
Excludes the reproduction of worms in the human body. Each type of helminth has a specific lifespan.
Growth of worms in the body only occurs when they reappear. To reduce the risk of infection, people need to practice good hygiene.
Symptoms of a worm infestation
The general signs of the presence of worms in the human body are expressed in sudden weight loss, light skin, a person worried about itching in the anus. But there are other manifestations that disguise themselves as other diseases.
- Digestive system disorders. The person is worried about stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. In the process of vital activity, some worms secrete certain substances that cause diarrhea.
- Disruption of the normal functioning of the nervous system. Helminths release toxins, which can cause poisoning in the body. In turn, this adversely affects the state of the nervous system.
- Allergic reaction. A person infected with worms may have a rash on their body.
- Reduced immunity. As a result of the body's weak defenses, diseases can develop in humans at the same time.
There is a view 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 the listed 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 for detecting worms. During the study, doctors find the worm eggs. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to give feces again. However, the analysis presented is not a reliable diagnostic method, as the worms may not lay eggs for a long time.Blood test
A blood test for the presence of 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 detect worms, but also to determine its type. In the presence of worms in the blood, you can find their waste.
When parasites are present in the body, a large number of eosinophils will be found in the blood. The diagnosis should be confirmed by additional research methods. There are many types of blood tests and they can be called differently.
Scratch for enterobiasis
To detect pneumonia in the body, the doctor prescribes scratching for the patient for enterobiasis. During the procedure, the doctor runs a cotton ball over the skin that folds near the anus. The resulting sample is sent to the laboratory for further research. The same process is done with adhesive 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.
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. Using this method, it is possible to detect both tiny and large parasites. This analysis for parasites is based on the search for antibodies.Blood for enzyme immunoassay is taken from a vein. The blood serum is then centrifuged and examined.
ELISA results provide complete information about 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 find out what type of worm is installed in the body. The enzymatic reaction will allow a more detailed study of the recognized helminth type and will visually measure the data obtained.
In response to a foreign body invasion, the body responds by producing antibodies to it. 
In case of damage to the body by worms in the blood, antibodies to toxins and worm waste products are produced. This technique is based on the study of these antibodies.
The blood test will take 2-4 days. It can be done in any state clinic. It is also possible to undergo a similar study in private clinics.
What other analyzes are there?
In addition to enzymatic immunosorbent assay, parasites can be detected in other ways.
The following blood tests are used for the study:
- indirect hemagglutination reaction?
- immunofluorescence reaction.
To make a diagnosis, you must donate blood from a vein. It is then immediately transferred 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 recommended that you do not eat anything before the procedure - although food intake is insignificant, it can still affect the final result of the study.
On the day of the pest test, only water intake is allowed.
To get the most reliable results, in addition to these basic rules, before passing the ELISA analysis, you should pay attention to the following suggestions.
- Three days before the test, you should stop taking the medicine. Let's take only those medicines that are vital for the body.
- Before the procedure, you should not push physically or emotionally.
- It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages and strong coffee the day before the procedure.
- If the antiparasitic treatment took place on the eve of the test, it is best to temporarily postpone the procedure.
- Physiotherapy procedures can affect the test result, so two procedures should be omitted before the ELISA blood test time
The correct analysis shows absolutely all the parasites that exist in the human body.
How to protect yourself from worms
In most cases worms enter the body through dirty hands, so it is essential that you maintain good hygiene.
Vegetables and fruits bought in the markets must be thoroughly washed. According to studies, worm eggs often accumulate in vegetables and fruits.
You need to be careful when buying meat and fish. It is important to buy only meat that has passed the veterinary check. Meat and fish must be well cooked.
If there are pets in the house, you should always wash them afterwards. Pets should be regularly guarded against worms.