Parasitologist

A parasitologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by parasites. Let's consider what is the responsibility of the parasitologist, what the doctor does and when it should be treated.

The parasitologist is engaged in the prevention and treatment of diseases that have arisen because of arthropod parasites and helminths. The physician parasitologist must be a real professional, both in the field of medical parasitology, and orientate himself in the cycles of life and development of parasites outside the human body. The main task of the parasitologist is to prevent infection, to teach the patients preventative and hygienic measures that will protect them from infection.

Who is a parasitologist?

Who is a parasitologist? This is a doctor whose main job is to diagnose and treat various diseases caused by parasites. The parasitologist studies and eliminates any parasites that appear on the human body and in the body.

The work of the parasitologist is based on medical parasitology. This is a separate science that studies diseases caused by various parasites, as well as pathological conditions, symptoms and methods of preventing infection. The task of the parasitologist in time to find the cause of the disease, that is, the parasite and cure the body of its pathogenic effects.

When should I contact a parasitologist?

When it is necessary to address to the parasitologist - at the first symptoms of infection by parasites. Let's look at the main symptoms of infection with parasites. Note that infection with certain types of parasites is asymptomatic, but others cause a serious clinical picture. So, the symptoms of diseases caused by the action of parasites:

• Chronic fatigue and headaches.
• Problems with appetite (sudden bouts of severe hunger or total aversion to food).
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract (stool change, diarrhea, increased gas production, constipation, diarrhea).
• Severe muscular pain and joint pain, as well as severe salivation (especially at night).
• Anemia, bronchial asthma and various allergic reactions.
• Eczema, dermatitis, skin rashes, the appearance of bumps.
• Problems with weight (it is impossible to lose or gain weight).
• Increased anxiety, depressiveness.
• Decline in strength and immune system (frequent viral and respiratory diseases).

What tests do you need to pass to a parasitologist?

The question that interests many patients, is what tests should be given when addressing a parasitologist. When referring to a parasitologist, as well as to any other doctor, standard tests should be brought: analysis of feces, blood, urine and, of course, passed fluorography. Based on the results of these tests and the patient's symptoms, the parasitologist prescribes additional tests.

Many patients are prescribed immunological studies: giardiasis, amoebiasis, toxoplasmosis, ascariasis and others. Most often, detailed analyzes of feces are performed to check for helminth eggs. Scrapings of the pharyngeal phalanx and perianal area, analyzes for duodenal contents, sputum are carried out. The exact list of tests depends on the symptoms that disturb the patient and the decision of the parasitologist.

What diagnostic methods does the parasitologist use?

The parasitologist, like all doctors, diagnoses the disease with the help of certain methods and symptoms. Let's consider what diagnostic methods the parasitologist uses.

• Helminthovocoproskopia is the study of feces on eggs of helminths and other parasites.
• Biopsy - the capture of the affected tissue by the excision method for analysis on parasitic microorganisms and pathological processes.
• Histocoproology - for diagnostics use a special reagent, in which the tissues or feces are placed. 
• Vegetative-resonance testing - the patient is given a histological preparation that allows to identify the affected organs, pathological processes in the body and recognize the causative agent of the disease (parasite).
• Ultrasound is used to diagnose the gastrointestinal tract and other organs affected by parasites.
• Electron microscopy is a method of diagnosis based on the study of affected tissues or microscopic tests to identify parasites.

What does the parasitologist do?

What the parasitologist does - the doctor studies the parasites, their appearance, life cycle, impact on the human body, ways of infection and the tolerance of parasites from one person to another. The professional duties of the parasitologist include the development of methods for diagnosis and prevention, which depend on the type of parasite and its effect on the human body.

After studying the symptoms, the parasitologist conducts the diagnosis of the disease. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes complex effective treatment. After treatment follows the rehabilitation period (special diet, hygiene rules, etc.), as well as preventive safety measures.

What diseases are treated by a parasitologist?

The work of the parasitologist is related to the identification and treatment of diseases caused by parasites. Let's consider what diseases the parasitologist treats.

• Fungi - cause various diseases, including cancer.
• Pinworms - pathogens of intestinal diseases - enterobiosis.
• Toxoplasma - cause congenital diseases and external deformities.
• Fascioliasis is the cause of hepatitis (chronic), allergic reactions, dyskinesia of the biliary tract.
• Giardia - cause a variety of (including pathological) liver disease.
• Trichomonas (vaginal, oral, intestinal) is a disease caused by parasites that slowly and practically multiply asymptomatically and affect surrounding organs and tissues.
• Opisthorchiasis - the disease appears due to the use of raw and semi-raw products (mainly meat and fish), localized in the biliary tract.
• Cestosis - pathological diseases caused by infection with banded helminths.
• Diphyllobothriasis arises from eating raw or undercooked fish.
• Teniosis is the causative agent of pork tartar, which can be found in raw and improperly cooked meat.
• Echinococcosis is a disease accompanied by the appearance of small cysts that are localized in the liver. The source of the disease is the wool of animals infected with helminths, dirty vegetables, fruits and berries.

Tips of a parasitologist

The advice of a parasitologist doctor is a kind of prevention of diseases that can appear due to parasitic effects. Let's look at some tips and recommendations from a parasitologist that must be observed by both adults and children to protect their body from parasites.

• If you eat in a cafe or restaurant, there is a chance to pick up helminths or parasites more seriously. When ordering meat or fish, carefully sprinkle the dish with lemon juice before use. This will protect you from parasites.
• Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits, because they always have germs, bacteria and parasites. Refuse to buy in the spontaneous markets, especially for meat products.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and keep the nails clean. Such hygiene will protect you from a number of parasitic diseases. So, for example, eggs of helminths have a sticky substance that allows them to be securely attached to the surface on which they hit. You can remove them with soap and warm water.
• If you have young children who like to play in the sandbox, make sure that the sand is not contaminated by the feces of animals and people. Sand must be loosened by moving the lower layers with parasites under the sun's rays to destroy them.
• Never use other people's personal care products (comb, toothbrush). Since this is the most common cause (after dirty hands) of infection by parasites.
• Regularly change your underwear and take a shower.
• Do not forget about keeping clean in the house. Wet cleaning with special tools and ventilation will save you and your family from parasites.
• If you have pets, keep them hygienic and clean, since animals are one of the most dangerous sources of parasite infestation.

A parasitologist is a doctor whose task is to diagnose a disease caused by parasites and to cure a person of their pathological effect. In his work, the parasitologist uses a variety of diagnostic methods that can accurately determine the causative agent of the disease. Remember that maintaining hygiene and maintaining cleanliness is the main protection against parasites and their pathogenic effects.