Parasitosis is a separate group of diseases caused by protozoa, or worms (worms). According to statistics, helminthiasis and giardiasis occur in 78-80% of children of preschool and school age. Parasitic worms and arthropods poison the body with the products of their vital activity, in connection with which damage to vital systems and organs is observed.
Giardia and worms - differences and similarities
Many people mistakenly believe that giardia is a type of helminth that parasitizes the gastrointestinal tract. Both these and other microorganisms are parasitic and enter the body in the same way. But worms and giardia are representatives of different classes, which differ in the structure and extent of harm to the health of the child:
- Giardia (Giardia) are flagellar protozoa that parasitize the lining of the small intestine. Unicellular microorganisms can exist in two forms:
- Pore - the transformation of Giardia into a cyst when adverse conditions arise. In this form, it maintains its activity in the external environment and begins to develop upon penetration into a living organism;
- vegetative - active development of giardia in the intestine, from which it receives all the nutrients necessary for growth and reproduction.
- Helminths (worms) are parasitic worms that can infect almost all types of tissue. There are more than 400 types of worms, but they all belong to one of the following types:
- Tapeworms - Echinococcus, Broad Lithinets, Pork Tapeworm;
- Leeches - trematodes;
- Roundworms - Toxocara, pinworms, whipworms.
Infection of children with parasites occurs when they drink water or food contaminated with cysts and eggs. The carriers of worm eggs and lamblia cysts are dogs and cats. The development of parasitosis is facilitated by mosquitoes, flies and other insects that carry roundworm eggs, echinococci, etc. on their proboscis.
The clinical picture with giardiasis (giardiasis)
Parasitic infections are more commonly diagnosed in children aged 1 to 4 years. In about 30% of cases, the parasitosis is asymptomatic and is detected during laboratory tests when another disease is diagnosed. Typical symptoms of giardiasis in children are:
- decreased appetite;
- Flatulence;
- Dizziness;
- bad sleep;
- Weight loss;
- Injury to the stool;
- Irritability;
- Pain in the navel;
- Stomach discomfort;
- Enlargement of the liver;
- Biliary tract dyskinesia;
- Allergic dermatitis.
Giardiasis is more severe in young children than in adults. Poisoning the body with the waste products of Giardia leads to a change in complexion, the appearance of acne and dark circles under the eyes. A blood test shows an increased concentration of eosinophils in the plasma. In the feces, parasites are not always detected, which is related to the peculiarities of their development cycle.
Clinical picture with helminthiasis
Symptoms of helminthiasis appear 2-4 weeks after parasites enter the child's body. In about 1/3 of patients, the signs of parasitosis are weak, but the toxic effects of their waste products do not stop. The main manifestations of helminthiasis in children are:
- febrile state;
- exudative rash;
- Swelling of the face;
- loose chairs;
- Lymphadenopathy;
- Flatulence;
- Stomach cramps;
- Nervousness;
- Insomnia;
- chronic fatigue.
Note: the development of complications related to helminthiasis is promoted by immunodeficiency, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
With massive invasions, vital organs are damaged, which is evidenced by the development of myocarditis, pleuropneumonia, meningoencephalitis, etc. The degree of eosinophilia in helminthiasis depends on the immune status of the patient and the intensity of the infection.
Treatment of Giardiasis
Giardiasis therapy is not started with the use of antiparasitic drugs, as this can lead to the development of serious toxic-allergic complications. In this regard, the treatment is carried out in three stages:
- Compliance with the diet program for 14 days will help get rid of toxicosis. To improve the enzymatic activity of the intestine and increase general immunity, it is necessary to include in the diet cereals, cereals, dried fruits and vegetable oil. To reduce the concentration of toxins in the blood, children are prescribed enterosorbents, choleretics and antihistamines.
- Intensive anti-parasitic therapy helps eliminate active lamblia and cysts. To destroy protozoa are usually used: "Nifuratel", "Metronidazole", "Ornidazole";
- To improve intestinal motility, it is recommended to include fermented milk products, cereals and baked apples in the menu. You can strengthen the child's immune system with the help of prebiotics, multivitamins, and herbal adaptogens.
In the acute course of giardiasis, a one-stage treatment regimen with antiparasitic drugs is prescribed. The most effective of them are: "Albendazole", "Tinidazole", "Mepacrine", "Furazolidone", etc.
Treatment of helminthiasis
The principles of deworming are determined by the type of parasite that caused the development of the disease. The main goal of therapeutic and prophylactic measures is to reduce the number of helminthic invasions in the intestine and strengthen non-specific immunity. The following groups of drugs can be used to destroy worms:
- anti-nematodal - "Mebendazole", "Thiamazole";
- Anticestoid - "Praziquantel", "Niclosamide";
- protivotrematodoznye.
Many of the above drugs can cause side effects such as anemia and intestinal bleeding. To prevent deterioration in health during therapy, it is advisable to use "Filgrastim", "Dioxomethyltetrahydropyrimidine", "Ursodeoxycholic acid", "Colespitol".
Conclusion
Giardia and helminths are representatives of different classes of parasitic microorganisms that enter the human body in the same way. The clinical manifestations of helminthiasis and giardiasis are very different, which is associated with different principles of their development and the localization of invasions. Antiparasitic therapy for diseases includes various drugs designed to destroy certain types of pathogens.