Parasitology Services

About

Ascariasis: Ascaris is a type of worm that lives in the small intestine. The larval form can settle in the lungs and other organs. It is transmitted through soil and contaminated food. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. In children it can cause stunted growth and weight. The most dangerous complication is intestinal obstruction.

Enterobiasis (pinworm): Spreads especially among children aged 3-10. Transmitted through poor personal hygiene. Main symptoms: nighttime itching in the anal area, insomnia, restlessness, abdominal pain, nausea and drooling. For diagnosis, the perianal tape test is repeated 3 times. Treatment covers all family members.

Giardiasis: Caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia lamblia settling in the small intestine and gallbladder. Transmitted through contaminated water, food and hands. Main signs: foul-smelling, watery, fatty diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, loss of appetite, fatigue, allergic dermatoses. In children it causes physical and mental development problems.

Taeniarhynchosis (beef tapeworm): Transmitted through raw or undercooked meat products. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss despite adequate nutrition, fatigue, insomnia.

Echinococcosis: Transmitted through animal hair, unwashed fruit and vegetables and dirty water. It forms cysts in the liver and other organs. A case of an echinococcal cyst located in a joint has also been observed at our clinic.

Toxoplasmosis: An infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Transmitted through cat feces, raw meat and soil. It poses a special danger to pregnant women. Diagnosed using the TORCH panel.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: An infection transmitted by sandflies carrying the parasite Leishmania tropica. It is endemic in some districts of Azerbaijan — Qazakh, Zaqatala, Sheki, Ganja and the Kura-Araz lowland. Swelling, a papule and an ulcer form at the bite site.

Visceral leishmaniasis: A more severe form affecting internal organs. A case of a young patient successfully treated is on record at our clinic.

Trichinosis: A parasitic disease transmitted through raw or undercooked pork.

Opisthorchiasis: Transmitted through raw or undercooked fish; affects the bile ducts and liver.

Amoebiasis: A disease caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Transmitted through contaminated water and food.

Scabies: A disease caused by mites in the skin. Severe itching that worsens at night, paired rashes and scabies burrows are characteristic signs. All contacts must be treated together.

Benefits and coverage

• Signs in children: nighttime itching, insomnia, attention deficit, irritability
• Unexplained weakness and rapid tiredness, failure to gain weight or sharp weight loss
• Abdominal pain, nausea, drooling
• Skin rashes and itching, teeth grinding (especially at night)

Stages

1. Stool examination (parasite eggs and cysts)
2. Perianal tape test (for enterobiasis, repeated 3 times)
3. Blood serological tests (giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, echinococcosis IgM/IgG)
4. Etiological treatment targeting the pathogen after the diagnosis is confirmed

FAQ