Yes, bloodwork can help diagnose some parasites by detecting antibodies, antigens, or the parasites themselves (like malaria), but it's not the only or always the best method; often, stool samples (ova & parasite tests) or imaging are also needed, as different parasites require different tests, with PCR stool tests becoming more effective for gut parasites.
Some, but not all, parasitic infections can be detected by testing your blood. Blood tests look for a specific parasite infection; there is no blood test that will look for all parasitic infections.
An ova and parasite test looks for intestinal parasites and their eggs (ova) by checking a sample of your stool (poop) under a microscope. The test is also called an O&P. Intestinal parasites are tiny life forms that can live and reproduce in your digestive system.
You know you might have parasites through digestive issues (diarrhea, bloating, pain), fatigue, unexplained weight loss, skin problems (rashes, itchiness), sleep disturbances (insomnia, teeth grinding), increased appetite, muscle aches, or even seeing worms or eggs in your stool; however, many infections have few or no symptoms, so a doctor's diagnosis via stool sample, blood tests, or other imaging is needed for confirmation.
Some infections clear on their own, but most people need prescription antiparasitic drugs to get rid of intestinal parasites.
Other examples of parasitic infections include:
Parasites and parasitic infections are common. They affect millions of people throughout the entire world. Many people may not notice they have an infection because they have few symptoms. Others may have serious illnesses.
Several kinds of medical specialties and a description are listed below.
Roundworms and tapeworms typically appear as long, spaghetti-like, or segmented flat worms in stool, whereas hookworms and pinworms are smaller, thread-like worms. Stool tests, particularly the Ova and Parasite (O&P) test, along with blood tests and imaging, are effective for assessing parasitic infections.
Some parasites are visually comparable to undigested foods that can appear in the stool, namely germinated bean sprouts; physicians should not only be mindful of such similarities, but should also take a full dietary history and consider any such correlations before requesting microbiologic analysis.
If you continue to experience symptoms like stomach cramps and pain, nausea or vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and digestive problems, including unexplained constipation, diarrhea, or persistent gas even after trying several treatments, you may have a parasite.
Food
Some common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. However, it is also possible to have an infection without any noticeable symptoms. In some cases, the only way to know for sure that you have a parasite is to have a laboratory test performed.
Worms in humans
Parasites can start eating your red blood cells or lead to loss of blood through the stool, which can cause blood loss and result in iron deficiency anemia. Parasites feed on the blood of the host tissue leading to the loss of iron and protein and a deficiency of red blood cells in the body.
Malaria Parasite (Plasmodium)
Not only a killer parasite, but one of the world's biggest killers, the malaria parasite is responsible for around 600,000 deaths a year.
10 Warning Signs of Parasitic Infections
Untreated tapeworms can live for years, and can lead to malnutrition. Long-term complications could include headaches, blindness, and seizures. The treatment for parasitic infections depends on the type of infection and how far the infection has progressed.
It infects part of the digestive system called the small intestine. Symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, upset stomach and loose stools. The parasite that causes giardia lives all over the world, mainly in areas poor sanitation and that don't have safe water.
Signs that it is time to deworm
Frequent abdominal pain, especially around the navel, along with loose or hard stools. A noticeable loss of appetite, skipping meals, weight loss, persistent fatigue, and paleness.
There are many at-home tests for parasites. Testing for parasites at home is very easy. Our Ultimate and Advanced Gut Health Tests both test for parasites.
Treatment of Delusional Parasitosis
Delusional parasitosis treatment is best coordinated between a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (called a dermatologist) and a psychiatrist. The dermatologist does a thorough evaluation to make sure that there are no actual parasites.
If hygiene measures do not clear up threadworms, or medicine use is preferred, mebendazole (Vermox®, Ovex®) can be used. There is no evidence that mebendazole harms the baby, and it is only absorbed into the body in small amounts.