Worm Infections

Intestinal Worms

The message is not so much that the worms will inherit the Earth, but that all things play a role in nature, even the lowly worm (Gary Larson)

Introduction

Intestinal worms, also known as parasitic worms, are one of the main types of intestinal parasites. Common types of intestinal worms include:

·         Flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes.

·         Roundworms, which cause ascariasis, pinworm, and hookworm infections.

Tapeworm

You can get a tapeworm (which is a type of flatworm), by drinking water contaminated with tapeworm eggs or larvae. Raw or undercooked meat is another way tapeworms can find their way into people. Tapeworms embed their heads into the intestinal wall and remain there. From there, certain types of tapeworms can produce eggs that mature into larvae that migrate to other parts of the body.

A tapeworm looks like a long, white ribbon. They can grow up to 80 feet long and live in a human for up to 30 years.

Flukes

Flukes are a type of flatworm. People are less likely than animals to contract flukes. Raw watercress and other freshwater plants are the main sources of flukes in humans.

You can also get them when you drink contaminated water. They make their home in your intestines, blood, or tissues. There are many varieties of flukes. None reach more than a few inches in length.

Hookworms

Hookworms are transmitted through faeces and contaminated soil. The most common way to make contact with this type of roundworm is to walk barefoot on soil infested with hookworm larvae. They can pierce through the skin.

Hookworms live in the small intestine, where they attach themselves to the intestinal wall with a “hook.” They’re usually less than half an inch long.

Pinworms (threadworms)

Pinworms are tiny, fairly harmless worms. They’re more common in children. These roundworms, when fully matured, live in the colon and rectum. The female lays eggs around the anus, usually during the night. The eggs can survive on bedding, clothing, and other materials. People contract them when they touch the eggs and end up putting them in their mouths. The eggs are so small you can even breathe them in if they become airborne. They’re easily passed among children and caregivers or in institutions. Although pinworm infections are usually harmless and easily treatable, there have been less common cases of pinworms in the appendix that, when present, are usually in children and rarely in adults. 

Trichinosis worms

Trichinosis roundworms are passed among animals. The most common way humans get trichinosis is by eating undercooked meat that contains the larvae. The larvae mature in your intestines. As they reproduce, those larvae can travel outside the intestines into muscle and other tissue.

                              Some Pictures of worm infections in humans 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of intestinal worms are:

·         abdominal pain

·         diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting

·         gas/bloating

·         fatigue

·         unexplained weight loss

·         abdominal pain or tenderness

·         A person with intestinal worms may also experience dysentery.

·         Intestinal worms can also cause a rash or itching around the rectum or vulva.

N/B: Some people may have intestinal worms for years without experiencing any symptoms.

Causes

One way to become infected with intestinal worms is eating under-cooked meat from an infected animal, such as a cow, pig, or fish. Other possible causes leading to intestinal worm infection include:

·         consumption of contaminated water

·         consumption of contaminated soil

·         contact with contaminated faeces

·         poor sanitation

·         poor hygiene

Roundworms are typically transmitted through contact with contaminated soil and faeces.

Once you’ve consumed the contaminated substance, the parasite travels into your intestine. Then they reproduce and grow in the intestine. Once they reproduce and become larger in amount and size, symptoms may appear.

Prevention

To prevent intestinal worms, regularly wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after using the toilet and before preparing or eating foods.

You should also practice food safety:

·        avoid raw fish and meat

·        thoroughly cook meat to temperatures of at least 145°F (62.8°C) for whole cuts of meat and 160°F (71°C) for ground meat and poultry

·        let cooked meat rest for three minutes before carving or consuming

·        freeze fish or meat to –4°F (–20°C) for at least 24 hours

·        wash, peel, or cook all raw fruits and vegetables

·        wash or reheat any food that falls on the floor

·        cook fruits and vegetables with boiled or purified water before eating

·        avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with human faeces

Diagnosis

·        You should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may then carry out an examination of your stool. It may take several stool samples to confirm the parasite’s presence.

·        Your doctor may carry out a blood test to look for antibodies your body produces when it’s infected with a parasite. Additionally, your doctor may take an X-ray or use imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) depending on the extent or location(s) of disease suspected.

·        Your treatment plan will be determined based on the type of intestinal worm you have and your symptoms.

Tapeworm infections are usually treated with an oral medication, such as praziquantel (Biltricide).

Common treatments for a roundworm infection include mebendazole  and albendazole.

In all cases, please consult your doctor for proper examination and treatment.

Good health and well-being is of utmost importance.

Season’s Greetings

From Gpland