Rat tapeworm is one of the few diseases that a person can catch while in certain geolocation conditions. And all because this type of parasite lives only in certain countries, however, it can survive in any climatic conditions. Naturally, when infected, a person is in a state of shock. Fortunately, doctors have developed treatment methods that do not allow patients to despair. Photos of rat tapeworm do not differ in their attractiveness, since its appearance is very similar to other flatworms.
general characteristics
Rat tapeworm is a tapeworm related to cestodes. Its main goal is the penetration of rodents into the body, ranging from squirrels to mice. In principle, the name itself speaks for itself. However, in medicine, repeated cases of its parasitization in the human body are known.
The dimensions of the worm inspire fear, because in length it is very large, from 10 to 60 cm. As for the width, here it is clearly inferior to many other parasites - no more than 4 mm. Its main tool is the rudimentary proboscis, which is located on the front side of the head. The eggs are pale yellow in color. The size of the eggs of the rat tapeworm is very small - their dimensions do not exceed even a millimeter in a circle.
Habitat
The habitat of the rat tapeworm can frighten readers, as it is adapted to withstand absolutely any climatic conditions. However, he gives his preference to a dry and hot climate. Such climatic conditions are found in the southern and central parts of the United States, in the northern zone of Africa, in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Residents of Russia can calm down a bit, because the percentage of detection of this parasite is very small. Although there are some nuances here, the climate of the Krasnodar Territory of the Rostov Region is similar to the Asian one, therefore cases of infection with this worm are recorded more often here. Speaking about the prevalence of rat tapeworm, one cannot but mention that cases of ingestion and parasitization of the worm in the human body are extremely rare, and therefore pathology does not belong to common ones.
Infection pathways
The main task of the life of a rat tapeworm is to find a host and, of course, reproduce. But for this, these reptiles need intermediate carriers, which are represented by various insects, such as cockroaches or fleas. Infection occurs directly through poor quality food. If the disease found a person, it means that in any products available to the insect, the worm's eggs were localized or its larvae inhabited. After getting into the body of a permanent carrier, the larvae begin their violent life. They settle in the gastrointestinal tract.
Influence on the infected organism
The impact on the human body of this parasite has not yet been thoroughly studied due to the rare manifestation of the disease. However, a negative impact still exists:
- Firstly, the patient develops allergic reactions of various manifestations due to parasitization of the worm, often they are expressed by skin rashes.
- Secondly, the intestinal mucosa of an infected person is damaged.
- Thirdly, disturbances in the digestive chain of the victim occur.
- Fourth, dysbiosis develops.
All of the above is not symptomatic - it is specific damage to the body as a result of the parasitization of the worm.
Possible consequences
The longer the worm itself, the more terrible and dangerous its effect on the body. The vital activity of tapeworm is harmful, therefore it is so important to get rid of the disease in the shortest possible time. The consequences of such a symbiosis are frightening:
- the development of paralysis;
- encephalitis lesion;
- inflammation of the meninges;
- damage to the brain and spinal cord.
In other words, with the active activity of the rat tapeworm, serious disturbances in the nervous system occur. Most diseases that develop as a result of the life of this worm are incurable.
Symptomatic manifestations
The incubation period after the worm enters the body lasts no more than 14 days. The diagnosis of this parasite is hardly different from the methods for detecting other parasites that live in the human body. However, there is a rather significant obstacle - only a few infected people come to consult with a specialist, since even the symptoms that appear may not cause concern, in most cases. Signs are not expressed at all or are absent altogether, as a result of which the parasite continues its vital activity.
Symptoms of rat tapeworm are expressed in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. There are a number of symptoms that indicate this problem:
- Regardless of the quantity and quality of food, a person experiences pain in the stomach, and it can intensify or fade away with a certain frequency.
- Profuse salivation.
- Nausea.
- Weakness, malaise.
- Headache, dizziness.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Manifestations of an allergic reaction in various forms.
Diagnostic measures
Symptoms and treatment of rat tapeworm are interconnected, the earlier the pathology is detected, the easier the therapy is tolerated.
Diagnosis of such an ailment is based on the collection of special tests. The main and most effective way is to check feces for rat chain eggs. If they are found, then the doctor checks the symptoms with the results and only then prescribes an individual treatment for the patient.
If a rat tapeworm or other parasite of this kind is detected, it is very important to begin treatment as soon as possible before it has become an adult, because it is an adult worm that begins to bear fruit, and therefore cause fatal harm to health.
Particular attention should be paid to children, as the child’s body is fragile and the harm done will be felt many times stronger. And the treatment is complicated by the fact that not every drug can be prescribed for a child. The only plus - in children, the symptoms are more pronounced, which means that it is easier to notice violations.
The basic principles of treatment
Treatment of rat tapeworm is carried out in a specialized hospital. The therapy is periodic, that is, after completing the full course of treatment, you should take a break for a certain number of days, and then resume taking medication.
The main drug for removing rat tapeworm from the body is Praziquantel. This tool is prescribed even to children who have reached the age of four. Repeat its use no more than four days later.
The second effective drug is Fenasal. It is prescribed even to one-year-old children. The cycle of admission lasts no more than two days, the dosage is determined depending on the age and weight of the patient. The downside is that the repeat of the drug must be resumed at least six times. The drug is consumed on an empty stomach. Before taking it, you need to calculate the exact dosage of the drug. An overdose can cause serious consequences, such poisoning can adversely affect not only the digestive system, but also other vital organs. It is also very important to familiarize yourself with contraindications.
Of course, when choosing a treatment technique, as well as a drug, specialists take into account certain factors:
- The state of the body, because there are already changes in it.
- The degree of infection of the body.
- Reactions to certain drugs.
The method of treatment with folk remedies is absolutely ineffective. There are many recipes for special infusions and decoctions. The most popular of these are pumpkin and fern extracts. However, their impact does not allow to eradicate the disease. What rat tapeworm was treated in Russia is not known for certain, it is only known that the effectiveness of such conspiracies and infusions was minimal.
Doctors strongly do not recommend resorting to self-treatment, as it will not have the expected effect.
Preventive actions
Any disease, let alone parasitization of worms, is much easier to prevent than to treat already neglected. Prevention methods are simple, unlike treatment and disposal of rat tapeworm. Specialists have developed a number of precautions that will shield against this problem:
- It is necessary to prevent the appearance of cockroaches, moths and other insects in your home.
- Basic hygiene practices should be followed.
- Children need to be accustomed to cleanliness of the body and surrounding space from an early age.
Another important factor is checking the quality of food consumed. It should be not only hermetically sealed and fresh, but also well washed before direct use.
Conclusion and Conclusions
Rat tapeworm is a parasite that becomes a serious problem for the wearer. It is the cause of the development of numerous disorders in the body, therefore, when the first symptoms of this ailment are detected, it is necessary to conduct a competent diagnosis and select adequate therapy. Self-medication will not bear the expected fruits, so it should be completely excluded. In addition, we can safely say that it is impossible to carry out diagnostics on your own, so consultation with a specialist is inevitable.