Parasitic worm

Parasitic worms, also known as helminths, are large multicellular organisms, which when mature can generally be seen with the naked eye. They are often referred to as intestinal worms even though not all helminths reside in the intestines.

Helminth eggs

Types of Parasitic Worms

Parasitic worms include flatworms, thorny-headed worms, and roundworms. The flatworms include tapeworms and flukes, while the roundworms cause ascariasis, pinworm infection, hookworm infection, and trichinosis. The thorny-headed worms cause acanthocephaliasis.

Transmission

Parasitic worms are transmitted from person to person through feces, food, water, and soil, and from animals to humans through blood. Some worms do not need to pass through the intestines to be transmitted. Instead, they can be transmitted through the skin and nose, by blood-sucking insects.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of parasitic worm infection include anemia, drowsiness, weight loss, fever, itching, malnutrition, and abdominal pain. Treatment typically involves oral medications that kill the parasites.

Prevention

Prevention of parasitic worm infection involves regular handwashing, especially before eating and after using the toilet; regular cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens; and careful handling and cooking of food.

See Also

• Helminthiasis
• Parasitology
• Tropical medicine

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