Is It Possible To Determine Worms By Blood Test?

Blood test for roundworm

A blood test for ascariasis is a serological study in which specific IgG or IgE antibodies of the IgG or IgE class to ascaris antigens, produced by the host's immunity, are searched for in the blood serum in the presence of larvae and adults of these parasites in the body. At an early stage after infection, the analysis of the level of specific IgE is more informative, after a few weeks - IgG, which begins to be produced later.

The lgg antibody test is indicated in the following cases:

• preventive goals;
• if diagnosis is difficult;
• control of the deworming process;
• examination of the carrier.

When the results of a general blood test indicate an increased content of leukocytes for no apparent reason, the attending physician conducts a test for antibodies to ascaris antigens.

Moreover, the diagnosis should be done as quickly as possible, since the symptoms of helminthiasis develop very rapidly. These include:

• muscle pain;
• dry cough;
• insomnia;
• dyspnea;
• increased temperature;
• deterioration of immunity, etc.

When donating blood, it is taken from a finger on an empty stomach in the morning. The day before delivery, exclude alcohol from consumption, preferably cigarettes, as well as fatty, fried, salty and smoked foods.

If the analysis shows an increase in the number of leukocytes and a decrease in other red blood cells, then this may be a sign of ascariasis, then tests for roundworms are additionally taken, the blood is checked for the presence of IgG antibodies to roundworm antigens. In this case, blood is taken from a vein on an empty stomach and with the same rules before the procedure.

Analysis for opisthorchiasis in the blood

To date, immunodiagnostics is used very often when opisthorchiasis is suspected. In most cases, an enzyme immunoassay is performed. It can help detect an increase in the concentration of class G and M immunoglobulins.

IgM appear immediately after the first contact of the human body with the parasite.

It is recommended to carry out ELISA in 1-2 weeks from the moment of possible infection, since it is at this time that the concentration of antibodies is maximum. IgG appear a little later: at 3-4 weeks of illness.

A healthy person who has never had opisthorchiasis has no antibodies. The sensitivity of this test is determined by the course of the disease. If there is an acute period, the sensitivity is 100%. If the disease is chronic, then this figure is about 70%. As the disease progresses, the antibody titer decreases.

This is due to the formation of circulating immune complexes. Sometimes during ELISA, false positive results are observed. This can be facilitated by the presence of liver diseases, allergic diseases in a person.

Blood test for trichinosis

There are two methods of blood analysis for trichinosis: general research and serological diagnosis.

General analysis

In human blood, there are several types of white blood cells - leukocytes - each of which has its own function. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that is involved in allergic reactions. During trichinosis, accompanied by allergies, their blood levels are very high. This is detected using a general blood test.

Serological method

It is the detection of antibodies that are produced in the patient's body in response to the introduction of parasites. To do this, use the reaction of blood with antigens obtained from Trichinella larvae.

Types of serological diagnostics for trichinosis:

Strongyloidosis blood test

In most cases, the disease is diagnosed at a late stage, based on the results of a serological test for strongyloidosis. According to the results of blood tests, it is impossible to diagnose the disease, they act only as additional information to the results of feces tests.

With strongyloidosis, there is a significant increase in the level of eosinophils (5% or more), as well as an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). A significantly abnormal level of eosinophils indicates an early stage of the disease, as well as an allergotoxic form of the disease.

In the presence of specific antibodies in the blood, an immune compound occurs, to which a special enzyme is attached, which stains the formed complex. The glow intensity is determined by a special test system.