Life cycle of pork chain: description, stages, stages and interesting facts

Pork Chain is a ribbon-like worm that develops in the human small intestine, causing rather serious pathological conditions. What is a parasite? What is the life cycle of pork chopsticks?

Structure

Before we consider the stages of the life cycle of the pork chain, we shall single out the structure of the parasitic worm. The creature has a ribbon-like body, divided into separate segments. In the head part is the so-called scolex - the body part, which is a system of suckers with a halo of hooks intended to attach the parasite to the walls of the organs in the host's body. Next comes the neck of the worm, which goes into strobila. The latter have the appearance of separate, clearly separated segments, the chain of which can reach a length of up to 3 meters. The number of segments in the strobila sometimes exceeds 1000 units.

Helminth eggs

Eggs of pork tapeworm are microscopic embryos of round shape, on the surface of which there are hooks. When exposed to the environment, the shell of the eggs of the parasite breaks down pretty quickly. Therefore, to continue the genus, it is important for the helminth to quickly enter the body of the intermediate host.

From the embryos in the body of a pig, so-called oncospheres are formed. The latter have the form of brownish-yellow spheres covered with a dense shell resistant to external influences. In this form, the parasite eggs can stay in the tissues of the animal for a long time, waiting until the final host has transferred them to their body.

How many viable larvae of the parasite can be in the soil?

Eggs of pork tapeworm, which have the ability to reproduce new individuals, live in the soil for about 30 days. They can also be in the aquatic environment for 15 days. If the ambient temperature remains at a level of 20 ° C to 35 ° C, while maintaining a high humidity, the eggs of the parasite can survive a few more months.

Life cycle of development of pork chain: description

Pork thistle belongs to the category of so-called bihelmint. In other words, for the transformation into an adult individual, a parasite requires passage through the body of an intermediate and final host. It's easy to guess from the very name of the helminth that the life cycle of the pork chain begins in the body of the domestic pig. The role of the ultimate host is played by a person who, incidentally, can become infected by using the meat of a wild boar.

Considering the stages of the life cycle of the pork chain, it is worth noting that adults, formed individuals of the helminth parasitize in the human small intestine. From their ribbon bodies mature segments are gradually separated. The latter, together with excrement, fall into the external environment. In some cases, in particular, with stasis stool, they are able to independently wade out through the anus. In the external environment of the segments, oncospheres are formed - the eggs of the parasite that develop in the soil.

How does the life cycle of the pork chain last? When the animal eats dirt from the ground, the helminth eggs get into their digestive system. The embryos are released from the outer protective shell and penetrate into the blood of the pig. Later, larvae are formed, which settle in the muscle tissue and internal organs of the animal. Here Finns are gradually forming - bubbles filled with liquid, the sizes of which are of the order of 5-10 mm. On one of the walls of such embryos of the parasite is a notch, from which the helminth's head subsequently forms. Finns are fixed in the tissues of the animal with the help of suckers and several rows of hooks.

The life cycle of the development of the pork chain continues due to the ingression of helminth embryos into the body of the final host, the human being. This happens with food, when a person consumes infected, insufficiently thermally processed pig meat. After a few months, the larvae become sexually mature in the human body. They are firmly attached to the mucous membranes of internal organs and begin to grow segments. Under favorable conditions, adult individuals can exist in this form for dozens of years.

We suggest to visually consider the stages of the life cycle of the pork chain. The scheme presented above will allow us to understand how the parasite develops at certain stages.

How to detect a pork chopstick in the body?

The presence of a parasite may be indicated by the separation of segments of its ribbon body along with feces. When revealing the eggs of the parasite in their own feces, as well as the appearance of suspicious symptoms, it is worth immediately contacting the medical institution for a qualified diagnosis. Only after confirming the diagnosis and carrying out a number of specific studies the doctor will be able to develop adequate therapy.

Ways of infection

In the human body, the helminth can get in several ways:

• Through the use of poorly roasted meat;
• Together with unwashed fruits or vegetables;
• Through the saliva of another person, infected with parasite eggs;
• With non-observance of personal hygiene, in particular, refusal to wash hands before eating.

With the ways of infection we are determined. Next, consider what diseases can develop if there is a pig's chain in the human body.

What harm can a man do with a pig's thorn?

So we examined the life cycle of the pork chain. Now let's find out what this helminth is dangerous for humans.

One of the most common diseases that develops when a bull chain is infected is the shadow. What is this ailment? It is caused by the effects of the life of an adult individual of the ribbon parasitic worm in the human body. In the shadow, the following pathological conditions are observed:

• Problems with digestion: regular discharge of loose stool, frequent constipation, abdominal pain;
• A change in appetite, beginning with the development of real binge eating and ending with a total refusal to consume food;
• Attacks of nausea, the appearance of gases, frequent eructations;
• General nervous irritability, moral exhaustion, insomnia.

Another dangerous pathology, which is formed against the background of infection with a pig chain, is cysticercosis. To the development of the disease leads to the defeat of the tissues of the body and internal organs of the human larvae of the parasite. Cysticercosis is characterized by attacks of headache, fainting, seizures are possible.

In some cases, cysticercosis causes damage to the brain tissue. This is followed by the formation of tumors, loss of vision, serious consequences for the nervous system, meningitis, convulsions. Without timely detection of the problem and proper treatment, a fatal outcome occurs.

How to get rid of a parasite?

Infection with a pork chain is detected by carrying out an ovoscopy. During the diagnostic procedure, a perianal scraping is performed to identify the strobilized tapeworm. It is also possible to analyze the composition of stool. In some cases, a radiograph is prescribed, sent to a blood test.

To get rid of parasites, patients are prescribed a course of anthelmintic drugs. To increase the chances of complete extermination of parasites in the intestine, make up a specific diet program. Patients take mineral and vitamin complexes, drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora.

Prevention

To reduce the likelihood of infection with pork chain, it is recommended to avoid eating meat products of dubious origin. In no case should you try raw forcemeat before cooking, assessing its taste. Also, one should not eat raw unsalted fat, but also meat, which has not passed qualitative heat treatment. It is extremely important to observe personal hygiene. Do not eat unwashed vegetables and fruits picked from the bare ground.

Finally

So we examined the life cycle of the pork chain. The scheme of its development and the transition from the intermediate to the final host was also presented above.

Finally I would like to note that ribbon helminths can exist in the human body for years. The products of their vital activity gradually poison tissues and organs, causing the development of pathologies, the course of which often becomes chronic. In order to avoid such troubles, it is extremely important to carefully choose the products for use, and if there is a slightest suspicion of helminthiasis - to undergo diagnostics by contacting a qualified doctor.