One of the most dangerous parasites is the dwarf tapeworm, or hymenolepis. It is known for its contagiousness and vitality. Compared with other helminths, it has the ability to develop in the body of a single host. After infection with hymenolepis, intestinal cleansing is a difficult and very long process.
What is it
So, what is hymenolepidosis? It is a disease that develops when a helminth is parasitized in humans in the intestine. Hymenolepidosis can occur in any part of the world, however, it is most common in southern areas with a hot climate. The disease most often affects people who live in urban conditions. This parasite in most cases affects the child's body (children from 5 to 15 years old are at risk).
Often the cause of infection is bad habits, as well as features of the immune system.
Life cycle
The life cycle of the dwarf tapeworm takes place in the body of a single host. The duration does not exceed 45 days. Infection occurs fairly quickly. After swallowing the eggs of the parasite, they settle in the stomach, and eventually pass to the small intestine.
Then, under the influence of enzymes, the oncosphere leaves the egg and attaches to the villi that covers the small intestine. This period is commonly called invasion. Within a week, the oncosphere turns into the germ of a parasite, which is commonly called a cysticercoid. It has a well-developed front part, on which the head is located.
During this period, people may feel slightly unwell. Another week passes, and the villi under the influence of the parasite is destroyed, and it penetrates into the small intestine. This is the end of the helminth development. After that, the full life cycle of the chain begins.
With the help of hooks and suckers, the helminth tries to stay on the intestinal mucosa in order to eat useful substances and support further development. The dwarf tapeworm turns into an adult within 2 weeks. This is the so-called strobilation process.
Symptoms
Symptoms and treatment are two important components of the disease. To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to recognize the relevant symptoms and begin treatment. Well-being in the presence of a worm in the body:
- loss of appetite;
- abdominal pain;
- problems with the chair;
- general weakness;
- rapid fatigue;
- headaches;
- nausea.
The type of symptoms depends on the individual characteristics of the body. In some cases, there is a subfebrile temperature, memory deteriorates, and the patient suffers from insomnia.
Diagnostics
Based on the fact that the symptoms of the disease are absent in some cases, the analysis for hymenolepidosis is carried out by coproovoscopy. In laboratory conditions, they are trying to determine the presence of parasite eggs in the feces. It is necessary to take such an analysis three times every 2 weeks. You can do this both in a city hospital and apply to laboratories such as Invitro.
In some cases, the patient may be offered to donate blood for the detection of antibodies to helminth. This is the so-called enzyme immunoassay. In severe invasions, hardware diagnostics is used. It can be an ultrasound or CT scan.
Methods of treatment
Therapy for such a disease is prescribed strictly by a doctor. Treatment of dwarf tapeworm is a long process, so an examination by a competent specialist is necessary. The course of treatment is individual for each patient. It helps not only to destroy the helminth, but also to support the whole body and its functions. The medicine prescribed by the doctor helps to avoid complications associated with the activity of the chain.
You can also treat the parasite with folk remedies. But this is only supportive therapy. The main treatment consists of tablets, capsules and special suspensions. In any case, a doctor's consultation is necessary. Registration on 1xBet is an important procedure that must be completed by the user. Without an account, you won’t be able and receive winnings. 1xBet Promo Code Nigeria to register, which allows you to create an account quickly and at the same time specify the basic personal data required for verification. 1xBet is a modern company that cares about the safety of its players as well as its operations in general. That’s why it has legal bookmaker and online casino status not only in India, but all over the world. This fact is evidenced by its Curacao license (license number 1668/JAZ) with its registration in Cyprus.