Parasitosis is a separate group of diseases that are provoked by protozoa or helminths (worms). According to statistics, helminthiasis and giardiasis occurs 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 parasitizing the gastrointestinal tract. Both those and other microorganisms are parasitic and enter the body in the same way. However, worms and giardia are representatives of different classes, differing in the structure and degree of damage to the child's health:
- Giardia (giardia) are flagellate protozoa that parasitize the mucous membrane of the small intestine. Single-celled microorganisms can exist in two forms:
- pore - the transformation of giardia into a cyst when unfavorable conditions occur. In this form, it retains its activity in the external environment, and in the case of penetration into a living organism, it begins to develop;
- vegetative - active development of giardia inside 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;
- flukes - trematodes;
- roundworms - toxocara, pinworms, whipworm.
Infection of children with parasites occurs when drinking water or food contaminated with cysts and eggs. The carriers of helminth eggs and lamblia cysts are dogs and cats. The development of parasitosis is facilitated by mosquitoes, flies and other insects that carry roundworm eggs, echinococcus, etc. on the proboscis.
The clinical picture with giardiasis (giardiasis)
Parasitic infection is more commonly diagnosed in children aged 1 to 4 years. In about 30% of cases, parasitosis is asymptomatic and is detected during the diagnosis of another disease during laboratory tests. Typical symptoms of giardiasis in children include:
- decreased appetite;
- flatulence;
- dizziness;
- poor sleep;
- weight loss;
- violation of the stool;
- irritability;
- pain in the navel;
- epigastric discomfort;
- enlargement of the liver;
- dyskinesia of the biliary tract;
- allergic dermatitis.
In young children, giardiasis is more severe than in adults. Intoxication of 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 reveals an increased concentration of eosinophils in the plasma. In the feces, parasites are not always detected, which is associated with the peculiarities of their development cycle.
Clinical picture with helminthiasis
Symptoms of helminthiasis appear 2-4 weeks after the penetration of parasites into the child's body. In about 1/3 of patients, the signs of parasitosis are weakly expressed, however, the toxic effect of their waste products does not stop. The main manifestations of helminthiasis in children include:
- feverish condition;
- exudative rash;
- swelling of the face;
- loose stools;
- lymphadenopathy;
- flatulence;
- stomach cramps;
- nervousness;
- insomnia;
- chronic fatigue.
Note: the development of complications accompanying helminthiasis is promoted by immunodeficiencies, vitamin deficiencies and mineral deficiency.
With massive invasions, vital organs are damaged, as evidenced by the development of myocarditis, pleuropneumonia, meningoencephalitis, etc. The degree of eosinophilia in helminthiasis depends on the patient's immune status and the intensity of 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, treatment is carried out in three stages:
- Compliance with the dietary program for 14 days helps to eliminate toxicosis. To improve the enzymatic activity of the intestines and increase general immunity, it is necessary to include cereals, cereals, dried fruits and vegetable oil in the diet. To reduce the concentration of toxins in the blood, enterosorbents, choleretic and antihistamines are prescribed for children;
- Intensive antiparasitic therapy contributes to the elimination of active lamblia and cysts. For the destruction of protozoa are usually used: "Nifuratel", "Metronidazole", "Ornidazole";
- To improve intestinal motility, it is recommended to include dairy 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 to strengthen nonspecific immunity. The following groups of medicines can be used to destroy worms:
- anti-nematodal - "mebendazole", "thiamazole";
- anticestoid - "praziquantel", "niclosamide";
- protivotrematodoznye.
Many of the above medications can cause side effects such as anemia and intestinal bleeding. To prevent deterioration of 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. The antiparasitic therapy of diseases includes various drugs aimed at destroying certain types of pathogens.