Even in the modern world, the risk of helminth infection remains extremely high. This is due to insufficient heat treatment of food, non-compliance with hygiene rules, frequent contact with pets, etc. Helminths or worms are parasites that, in the course of their life activity in the body, can provoke the development of serious pathologies that are dangerous not only for health but also for human life. Currently, there are several methods for detecting invasion. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for helminths is considered the most informative.
The essence of the method
He belongs to the laboratory research group. Its essence is to identify protein protective factors (antibodies) to pathogenic microorganisms (antigens). They are formed when pathogenic agents penetrate into the body, when the immune system starts the process of neurohumoral reactions.
Specific antibodies are produced against each type of helminth. Then they bind to antigens, forming a kind of complex. After this, this compound is neutralized and excreted from the body. Information about certain complexes helps to determine the type of pathogen and make up the most effective treatment regimen for the patient. In medicine, immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, IgA have the greatest clinical significance.
Indications
An ELISA blood test for helminths is prescribed if there is a suspicion of a person having helminthic invasion. The following symptoms are considered alarming:
- Pain in the abdomen. Moreover, their nature and localization may be different.
- Itching in the anus. As a rule, its severity increases at night.
- Weakness in muscle tissue and joints.
- Loss or, conversely, increased appetite. In the latter case, a person has excessive saliva production.
- Frequent episodes of diarrhea or, conversely, constipation.
- Change in color of feces.
- The constant state of apathy.
- Dizziness.
- Pallor of the skin.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Psycho-emotional instability.
- Rash on the skin.
- Episodes of urinary incontinence.
- Menstrual irregularities.
If ELISA for helminths reveals the presence of helminthic invasion in the body, a person will need to see a doctor and undergo a course of treatment. In most cases, the prognosis is favorable.
What allows you to detect
Using enzyme immunoassay it is possible to identify the following pathogenic microorganisms:
- Pinworm (exercise their activity in the small intestine).
- Ascaris (parasite larvae are able to infect the liver and lungs).
- Trichinella (inhabit the small intestine).
- Bull tapeworm (penetrate the body with insufficiently processed fish and meat).
- Echinococcus (the source is eggs).
- Pork tapeworm (exercise their activity in the eyes, heart and brain).
- Alveococcus (considered the most dangerous helminths, infection with them can lead to death).
- Giardia (affect the gallbladder, pancreas and large intestine).
- Toksokar.
Thus, ELISA for helminths is a modern diagnostic method with which it is possible to detect helminthic invasion.
Preparation
In order for the analysis result to be as informative as possible, it is necessary to follow the recommendations listed below for some time before the biomaterial is delivered.
- For 24 hours, you need to exclude taking medications. If this is not possible for health reasons, it is important to inform the attending physician about this. In addition, during the same time, it is necessary to abandon the use of alcohol-containing drinks. Smoked and fried foods, as well as foods containing a large amount of sugar, should be excluded from the menu.
- ELISA of blood for helminths is carried out only on condition that the patient donated biomaterial to an empty stomach. Before the study, it is not recommended to eat food and various drinks for 8 hours.
If a person responsibly complied with all the rules of preparation, ELISA for helminths will be as reliable as possible, that is, a study will reveal helminthic invasion at any stage of its development.
Biomaterial sampling algorithm
During blood donation, a person may take a sitting or lying position. If the subject is in emotional stress, it is recommended to postpone the procedure for 10-15 minutes. In this time period, a person needs to calm down. This need is due to the fact that being in a stressful situation can affect the results of the study.
The analysis of ELISA for helminths involves the collection of venous blood. As a rule, the following vessels are used for this purpose: ulnar, radial, median and external superficial. In overweight people, veins are often invisible. In such situations, blood sampling is carried out from vessels located on the back of the hand.
After choosing a vein, the specialist proceeds directly to the procedure.
- A tourniquet is applied to the patient on the shoulder. After this, a person is recommended to squeeze and unclench his fist several times. The vessels are filled with blood, so that the doctor can choose a vein from which blood will be taken.
- The site of the alleged puncture is treated with alcohol wipes. After this, the blood vessel ceases to be felt.
- The doctor inserts a needle into a vein about a third of its lumen. After that, removes the tourniquet.
- As soon as the syringe is filled with a sufficient amount of biomaterial, the needle is removed. A few seconds before this, the doctor should press the puncture site with a napkin treated with an antiseptic.
- The patient needs to bend his arm. It is important to press the napkin to the skin to avoid bruising.
Venous blood sampling for ELISA diagnosis of helminths is a safe procedure, but provided that the doctor has followed all the rules and regulations. In some cases, the development of complications is possible.
Features of the procedure in children
If it is necessary to take blood from a child, parents need to be responsible for the preparation. The day before the biomaterial is taken, fatty and fried foods, as well as sweets, must be excluded from the baby's menu. Children of the first year of life are allowed not to eat for 4 hours. An older child is already able to donate blood on an empty stomach, having stood a break of 8 hours. It is allowed to drink clean still water, it is advisable to abstain from juices and compotes.
It is very important to psychologically adjust the child. Blood sampling in children is carried out from the cubital vein or from a vessel located on the back of the hand. No need to assure the baby that the procedure is painless. It is better to focus on the fact that after a quick procedure the child will receive encouragement in the form of toys, sweets, entertainment.
Interpretation of Results
Deciphering the analysis of ELISA for helminths is carried out by a therapist, pediatrician or infectious disease specialist. The doctor examines the conclusion issued in the laboratory and, if necessary, draws up an effective treatment regimen.
Deciphering the results of ELISA for helminths:
- Giardia. A score of less than 1.0 means no helminthic invasion. A value of 1.0 or more indicates the presence of parasites in the body.
- Roundworm. A result of less than 0.85 is considered negative, more than 1.15 is considered positive. The intermediate value is doubtful, that is, it is necessary to re-donate blood for ELISA for the presence of worms.
- Trichinella. The standards are the same as in the case of roundworms.
For both the above and other types of helminths, a refinement of the class of detected antibodies is also used.
Deciphering the results:
- IgM "-", IgG "-", IgA "-". All indicators are negative. This means a lack of immunity to infection.
- IgM "-", IgG "+", IgA "-". These results indicate the presence of post-infection immunity.
- IgM "+", IgG "+/-", IgA "+/-". The presence of an acute infection in the body.
- IgM "+", IgG "+", IgA "+". The result indicates an exacerbation of an existing infection.
- IgM "-", IgG "+/-", IgA "+/-". The presence of an infection of a chronic nature.
- IgM "-". This result indicates a complete recovery.
Using the ELISA method, a doctor can detect the presence of helminthic invasion even at the earliest stage of its development. If parasites are found, the specialist draws up the most effective treatment regimen.
What to do if helminths are detected
Helminthic invasion requires an integrated approach in therapy. The treatment consists of 3 stages. The first is preparatory. It implies a diet. Dietary adjustment is necessary in order to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. The patient should be excluded from the menu fatty, fried, smoked, salty and spicy dishes. In addition, during this period, administration of enterosorbents is indicated.
The second stage is the treatment itself. Deworming involves taking medications whose active substances can destroy parasites. Drugs can be of a narrow or wide spectrum of action. They are available in the form of suspensions and tablets. Most often, doctors prescribe the following drugs: Pirantel, Nemozol, Albendazole, Levamisole, Macmirror.
The final stage is restorative. It involves carrying out activities aimed at normalizing the work of organs and systems that have been affected by helminths. At this stage, hepatoprotectors, choleretic drugs, vitamins, and sorbents are indicated.
Where to turn in
The collection of biomaterial for analysis is carried out both in public and in private medical institutions. To clarify information regarding the availability of this service, you must contact the registry directly.
Cost
The price of the analysis depends on the region and the policy of the medical institution. In the clinic at the place of residence, you can donate blood for free if you have an insurance policy. In private institutions, the cost of analysis for one type of parasite is, on average, 250 rubles. A standard ELISA for helminths (4 indicators: giardia, roundworm, toxocara, pinworm) costs about 1000 rubles. The price of an extended analysis is about 2500 rubles.
Finally
ELISA is a laboratory study that can be used to detect the presence of pathogens at an early stage in the development of a pathological process. Currently, the method allows you to detect any kind of helminths. The biological material is venous blood. As a rule, its fence is carried out from a vessel located on the elbow. Deciphering the result is the therapist, pediatrician or infectious disease specialist. If helminth infestation is detected, the specialist draws up a phased treatment regimen.