Clinical features of helminth – protozoal infections in adolescents

Introduction. In terms of prevalence, helminth-protozoal infection (HPI) occupies one of the leading positions in pediatrics, and in modern medicine it is diagnosed in every fifth adolescent.

Aim. To study the clinical manifestations of HPI in school-age adolescents.

Materials and methods. A study was conducted on 167 adolescents (male – n = 91 or 54.5%, female – n = 76 or 45.5%) from 10 to 15 years old (mean age 11.4 ± 0.9), who had clinical and laboratory-confirmed  infections with HPI. Along with standard methods of clinical and laboratory examinations, coproovoscopy and examination for enterobiasis using perianal scraping with adhesive tape were carried out.

Results. In 35.3% (59/167) an association of several types of HPI pathogens was diagnosed. At the same time, the most frequently encountered parasites were Necator americanus – 38.3% (64/167) and Ascaris lumbricoides – 31.7% (53/167). All patients had astheno-neurotic and dyspeptic disorders against the background of iron deficiency anemia. At the same time, the most common clinical manifestations were unstable stool (97.3%), periodic abdominal pain (93.2%), episodes of flatulence (75.7%), and other symptoms of dyspepsia up to 46.6%. Adolescents showed a tendency to allergic diseases – 83.2%. The highest manifestations of immunoallergic pathology in adolescents with HPI were recorded in the younger adolescent group – 86.8%. In comparison, in adolescents from the middle and older age groups, these figures were 80.6%, and 74.4% cases, respectively.

Discussion. Modern scientific studies have confirmed that HPI predicts many somatic diseases in adolescents, including pathologies of the respiratory and digestive systems. However, the clinical picture of GPI may differ depending on the place of residence and age.

Conclusion. The clinical manifestation of HPI in adolescents is characterized by iron deficiency anemia, dyspeptic, astheno-neurotic disorders against the background of a high incidence of immuno-allergic diseases. Consequently, HPI can be a predictor of somatic and immunoallergic pathology, or aggravate its course.

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