Medicine knows up to 200 types of parasites, some of which can pose a serious danger to the human body, and this is in addition to tangible discomfort. One of these microorganisms is the giardia parasite, the presence of which leads to the development of giardiasis. This helminthic disease is included in the list of the most common pathologies. To avoid the risk of infection, you need to know how parasites are transmitted.
General information
As statistics show, up to 10% of the world's population is susceptible to Giardia infection, among children this figure is even higher - about 40%. People first learned about these parasites only in 1859. A scientist named Lambl identified and described an intestinal parasite. He also determined which categories of people and animals are most susceptible to infection, that is, we are talking about adults and children who live in unsanitary conditions.
This parasite belongs to unicellularmicroorganisms, its approximate dimensions are 9 x 12 microns. Its body is symmetrical, on the one hand the body of the parasite has a rounded shape, on the other - pointed. They move by means of flagella, and very actively. Another no less interesting feature is the suction disc. Due to it, the parasites are attached to the villi of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, securely fixing their body. At the same time, they lead a nomadic life and are attached only for a while.
Life cycle
Giardia parasites enter the body orally, after which they reach the duodenum, where, in fact, the process of reproduction takes place. Their permanent habitat is the intestines, where they take most of the nutrients that enter the human body from food.
At the same time, their life cycle is divided into two stages:
- Vegetative period.
- Cysts.
The above description refers to the vegetative stage of their development. In this form, they are able to survive in the intestines for 40 days, no more. Once in the large intestine from the small intestine, they are in an unfavorable environment. Exposure to heat (such as boiling) or disinfectants will also kill them.
At the same time, once in unfavorable living conditions, they turn into cysts. This is another stage of their life cycle, in which unicellular microorganisms take the form of a spore, while their vital activity slows down. Immature microorganisms can take the form of a cyst.
In this state, giardia parasites in children or adults can be for a long period of time (up to 12 months), without showing signs of life. But with the onset of a favorable moment, individuals come to life. Although the intestines are the permanent residence zone of parasites, they can also settle in the duodenum, gallbladder and even the liver. The last option is the most dangerous of all.
Methods of distribution
To protect your body from the penetration of dangerous parasites, you need to know their main migration routes.
The environment is detrimental to them, and therefore they remain in it in the form of cysts. They can enter the human body in the following ways:
- Through food.
- Through contaminated water.
- Through common household items.
- Contact with a sick person.
Also, infection can occur when eating dirty fruits or vegetables. Cysts also persist in raw unfiltered water, so a person can catch Giardia parasites by swimming in open water, involuntarily swallowing contaminated water. Artificial water structures, where water stagnates, pose a great danger.
Giardia can enter the body during a person's communication with their pets. Children are also at risk of infection when they play with each other and one of them is already infected with giardiasis. In some cases, parasites are transmitted from mother to child, and therefore this disease is diagnosed even in newborns.
How does the disease progress?
The parasites themselves in their active phase do notpose a danger to the human body, cysts cause invasion. In most cases, we owe these parasites to our cats and dogs. And since infectious agents only enter through the mouth, it often happens through dirty hands after recent contact with an animal. No wonder our mothers and grandmothers always told us to wash our hands before eating.
Once in the intestines, cysts begin to attach to its villi. As a result of such activity of parasites, a violation of the absorption of this organ occurs. Ultimately, after fixing and active reproduction of Giardia, inflammatory processes of the intestine begin. At the same time, its microflora changes.
The presence of Giardia parasites in the human body leads to the fact that patients experience constant pain in the abdomen, which is aggravated by the use of fatty foods. After a certain time after infection, dystrophic, degenerative disorders of the digestive organ appear. And in the presence of concomitant diseases, the pathology passes into the chronic stage.
Features of chronic giardiasis
The chronic stage of the disease is accompanied by a whole range of characteristic features that indicate a malfunction in the functioning of the digestive system. The main symptom is a violation of the stool. Absorption of food worsens, constipation appears instead of diarrhea, which brings noticeable discomfort.
What other symptoms might appear? Giardia parasites can cause in humans:
- lossappetite;
- sluggishness;
- headaches;
- frequent mood swings;
- deterioration in general condition.
In addition, the presence of the disease may indicate a tongue coated with a coating, and bitterness in the mouth. During the examination, the specialist reveals pallor of the skin, peeling on the surface of the palms and feet. You can also observe hair loss, fever. This suggests that the infection has been present in the body for quite some time.
Acute disease
Symptoms and treatment of giardia parasites largely depend on the form of the disease. In acute giardiasis, the characteristic signs are slightly different from the chronic stage of the disease:
- Frequent indigestion in the form of liquid stools, accompanied by an unpleasant musty smell, but without blood streaks and mucus.
- The temperature rises sharply to 38 °C.
- Pain in the abdomen, and they can be aching and almost imperceptible. But sometimes there are severe cramping pains.
- Nausea with occasional vomiting.
- During the examination, you can detect a sharp decrease in body weight, up to anorexia.
- The appearance of flatulence, which is caused by a change in the intestinal microflora, which leads to the accumulation of gases in its cavity.
- Skin rashes in the form of follicles like rubella or measles.
- Allergic manifestations in the form of pimply vesicles, accompanied by itching, localized near the anus or nose.
Acute diseasewithout proper attention, timely diagnosis (including tests for giardia parasites) and proper treatment lasts for a week, and then goes into the chronic stage.
Therefore, it is so important to detect pathology exactly within 7 days after the first characteristic signs of acute giardiasis appear.
What is the danger?
Approximately 30% of the total population of the Earth are, not of their own free will, of course, carriers of Giardia. Moreover, most people live with these parasites, not even knowing about their existence, because for the most part these parasites try not to give themselves away. If the body has strong immunity, then it will be able to cope with pathogenic microorganisms on its own.
However, after the colonization of Giardia, some changes may appear in the body. Often this is enteritis - inflammation of the small intestine, the blow from which falls on the duodenum. As a result of this disease, the intestinal mucosa suffers, and it partially loses its functionality. Often the patient develops colitis or gastritis.
Diagnosis
As you know, before prescribing the necessary course of treatment for giardia parasites, it is necessary to diagnose the patient. As a rule, stool samples are taken to verify the presence of pathogenic parasites. From the liquid consistency, one can understand the presence of Giardia of the vegetative period of their life, and cysts can be found in solid feces.
At the same time, this diagnostic method is relevant only during theiractive activity. And this is from 1 to 3 weeks after the parasites enter the human body. Usually, during this time, characteristic signs of infection may already appear.
Parasite detection is done in several ways:
- Serological method.
- Duodenal examination.
- Enterotest.
With the serological method, blood is taken for analysis for the presence of IgG or IgM antibodies. Their presence indicates an ailment, moreover, a recent one, or an acute form of the disease, respectively. In the case when both types of antibodies are found in the blood, this indicates the course of a chronic disease.
Duodenal examination involves examining bile for the presence of cysts (a passive state of the protozoan parasite Giardia). This type of analysis does not apply to children under 10 years of age.
Enterotest is the introduction into the stomach of a capsule with a nylon or nylon thread. The gelatin shell dissolves under the influence of gastric juice, after which pathogenic microorganisms stick to it. And after the capsule comes out naturally, it is examined using a microscope.
Using modern diagnostic tools, you can easily make an accurate diagnosis and determine what treatment is needed in each case.
Stages of giardiasis treatment
Treatment of this disease is complex and includes several important steps. The list of necessary medications is selected by the attending physician based onthe severity of the disease. At the same time, starting immediately with the use of potent agents is highly discouraged in order to avoid serious consequences.
At the first stage, the treatment of Giardia parasites is reduced to the elimination of signs of intestinal intoxication. At the same time, the digestion process improves, and the protective functions of the immune system are corrected. Therapy is carried out for 14 days with the help of choleretic and antihistamines. It is important to follow a diet. Nutrition should be such as to create an unfavorable microflora for parasites. That is, use cereals, vegetables, vegetable oil. But foods rich in carbohydrates should be abandoned for the period of treatment.
The second stage is the antiparasitic therapy itself, the doctor prescribes medications that are aimed at destroying parasites. Among the effective means are "Metronidazole", "Furazolidone", "Nimorazole", "Albendazole". Admission of sorbents and antihistamines continues along with the listed tablets from the parasites of lamblia. In addition, "Allohol" is assigned. The action of this drug is aimed at increasing the production of bile and reducing the effects of antiparasitic drugs on the liver.
The third stage can be considered supportive. During this period, it is necessary to help the human body restore its protective functions. It also does not do without the help of a diet, vitamin complexes, herbal adaptogens,probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes. This helps to restore intestinal motility. The duration of this course is approximately 3 weeks.
Traditional medicine
In folk medicine, too, has its own means to combat uninvited parasites. Only use them in combination with drug treatment. It is advisable to get a consultation with a specialist beforehand. Most Powerful Recipes:
- Horseradish tincture - it effectively resists parasites. A fresh root crop is twisted in a meat grinder, the resulting mixture is placed in a jar and poured with boiled water (in a chilled state). Store for 3 days, then strain and you can take the tincture in a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.
- Tansy - contributes to the rapid elimination of giardia parasites. The tincture is made from dried flowers at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 500 ml of boiling water. The remedy is infused in a thermos for 2 hours. Take 5 days 1/3 cup before meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Rye bread and tar - this combination also has a healing effect. On a piece of bread, you need to drip a little birch tar, and sprinkle sugar on top to improve the taste. You can take 1 time per day for 5 days. It is only worth taking into account the development of complications in relation to the digestive system, there may be poisoning. This remedy is categorically contraindicated for children.
- Garlic and milk - we all know how useful these ingredients are, and even more so when combined. 10 days you need to drink warm milk, whereadd a clove of minced garlic. It should be taken on an empty stomach.
In addition, you can get rid of Giardia parasites by taking cabbage pickle and onion gruel.
But this applies only to adult patients, in children they can cause severe intestinal upset.
No prevention is possible
In order not to experience the discomfort associated with the presence of these parasites in the body, one should adhere to elementary hygiene. Always wash vegetables and fruits before eating, and before eating - hands with soap.
If someone in the family falls ill, he needs to allocate individual dishes, including toilet items. Regularly wash and iron bed linen and bath accessories. If pets are present, give them dewormers from time to time.
