Parasitologist

A parasitologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases caused by parasites. Let's look at what a parasitologist's responsibilities are, what the doctor does, and when you should see one.

A parasitologist deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by arthropod parasites and helminths. A parasitologist must be a true professional, both in the field of medical parasitology and be familiar with the life cycles and development of parasites outside the human body. The main task of a parasitologist is to prevent infection, teach patients preventive 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. A parasitologist studies and gets rid of any parasites that appear on the human body and in the body.

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

When should you see a parasitologist?

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

• Chronic fatigue and headaches.
• Problems with appetite (sudden attacks of intense hunger or complete aversion to food).
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract (changes in stool, diarrhea, increased gas formation, constipation, loose stools).
• Severe muscle and joint pain, as well as excessive salivation (especially at night).
• Anemia, bronchial asthma and various allergic reactions.
• Eczema, dermatitis, skin rashes, crusting.
• Weight problems (inability to lose or gain weight).
• Increased anxiety, depression.
• Decline in strength and immune system (frequent viral and respiratory diseases).

What tests should you take when visiting a parasitologist?

The question that interests many patients is what tests need to be taken when visiting a parasitologist. When visiting a parasitologist, as with any other doctor, you need to bring standard tests: stool, blood, urine and, of course, a fluorography. Based on the results of these tests and the patient's symptoms, the parasitologist prescribes additional tests.

Many patients are prescribed immunological tests: giardiasis, amebiasis, toxoplasmosis, ascariasis and others. Most often, detailed stool tests are performed to check for helminth eggs. Scrapings of the subungual phalanges and perianal area are performed, as well as tests for duodenal contents and sputum. The exact list of tests depends on the symptoms that bother the patient and the parasitologist's decision.

What diagnostic methods does a parasitologist use?

A parasitologist, like all doctors, diagnoses diseases using certain methods and symptoms. Let's look at what diagnostic methods a parasitologist uses.

• Helminth ovocoproscopy is a study of feces for helminth eggs and other parasites.
• Biopsy is the removal of affected tissue by excision for analysis of parasitic microorganisms and pathological processes.
• Histocoprology – for diagnostics, a special reagent is used in which the tissues or feces to be examined are placed.
• Vegetative resonance testing – the patient is given a histological preparation that allows identifying affected organs, pathological processes in the body and recognizing the causative agent of the disease (parasite).
• Ultrasound examination – performed to diagnose the gastrointestinal tract and other organs affected by parasites.
• Electron microscopy is a diagnostic method based on the study of affected tissues or tests under a microscope to identify parasites.

What does a parasitologist do?

What does a parasitologist do? The doctor studies parasites, their appearance, life cycle, impact on the human body, methods of infection and transfer of parasites from one person to another. The professional duties of a parasitologist include the development of diagnostic and prevention methods, which depend on the type of parasite and its impact on the human body.

After studying the symptoms, the parasitologist diagnoses the disease. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive effective treatment. After the treatment, there is a rehabilitation period (a special diet, compliance with hygiene rules, etc.), as well as preventive safety measures.

What diseases does a parasitologist treat?

The work of a parasitologist is associated with the detection and treatment of diseases caused by parasites. Let's consider what diseases a parasitologist treats.

• Fungi cause various diseases, including cancer.
• Pinworms are the causative agents of intestinal diseases - enterobiasis.
• Toxoplasma - causes congenital diseases and external deformities.
• Fascioliasis is the cause of hepatitis (chronic), allergic reactions, and biliary dyskinesia.
• Giardia – causes various (including pathological) liver diseases.
• Trichomonas (vaginal, oral, intestinal) is a disease caused by parasites that multiply slowly and almost asymptomatically and affect surrounding organs and tissues.
• Opisthorchiasis is a disease that appears due to the consumption of raw and semi-raw foods (mainly meat and fish), localized in the bile ducts.
• Cestosis is a pathological disease caused by infection with tapeworms.
• Diphyllobothriasis - occurs from eating raw or undercooked fish.
• Taeniasis is caused by the pork tapeworm, 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 hair of animals infected with helminths, dirty vegetables, fruits and berries.

Advice from a parasitologist

Advice from a parasitologist is a kind of prevention of diseases that may appear due to parasitic influence. Let's look at some advice and recommendations from a parasitologist that both adults and children must follow to protect their bodies from parasites.

• If you eat in a cafe or restaurant, there is a chance of catching helminths or a more serious parasite. When ordering meat or fish, sprinkle the dish thoroughly with lemon juice before eating. This will protect you from parasites.
• Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly, as they always contain microbes, bacteria and parasites. Avoid shopping at spontaneous markets, especially meat products.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and keep your nails clean. Such hygiene will protect you from a number of parasitic diseases. For example, helminth eggs have a sticky substance that allows them to firmly attach to the surface they land on. They can be removed with soap and warm water.
• If you have small children who like to play in the sandbox, be careful that the sand is not contaminated with animal and human feces. The sand should be loosened, moving the lower layers with parasites under the sun's rays to destroy them.
• Never use someone else's personal hygiene products (comb, toothbrush). Since this is the most common cause (after dirty hands) of parasite infestation.
• Change your underwear and shower regularly.
• Don't forget to keep your home clean. Wet cleaning with special products and ventilation will protect you and your family from parasites.
• If you have pets, keep them clean and hygienic, as animals are one of the most dangerous sources of parasite infection.

A parasitologist is a doctor whose job is to diagnose a disease caused by parasites and cure a person from their pathological effects. In their work, a parasitologist uses many diagnostic methods that allow them to accurately determine the pathogen. Remember that maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is the main protection against parasites and their pathogenic effects.