Non-Specific Manifestations of Helminthiasis in Children

Abstract

The article deals with the non-specific manifestations of parasitic diseases. Clinical symptoms of these states are not only non-specific, but also have similarities with many different infectious and non-infectious diseases. This is the cause of incorrect diagnoses. In some cases, pathology simulate acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, urticaria, bronchial asthma and asthmatic bronchitis, eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrates, sometimes persistent blepharitis. In the clinical pattern of helminthiasis, vege­tative and neurological symptoms often dominate that is due to pathogenetic features of helminthic intoxication. Furthermore, symptoms typical of acute leukemia, migratory eosinophilic pneumonia, abscesses, tumors of the soft tissues and bones may have parasitic origin. Various and non-specific manifestations of helminthiasis are crucial in laboratory diagnostics. One of the most popular drugs in the clinical practice of mo­dern pediatrics among known broad-spectrum anthelmintics of benzimidazole group is albendazole (Vormil). Systemic action of Vormil is related to its active metabolite — albendazole sulfoxide, which is formed in the liver. The drug inhibits the polymerization of beta-globulin, resulting in violations in the formation of cytoplasmic microtubules of helminth cells, so this drug is active against different parasite species.

Keywords

• helminthiasis
• parasitosis
• enterobiasis
• ascariasis
• giardiasis
• strongyloidiasis
• dirofilariasis
• toxocariasis
• hydati­dosis
• trichinosis
• albendazole