Symptoms of Worms in Humans
Various worms exist in humans, but the most common are hookworms, pinworms, and roundworms. They can be parasitic or non-parasitic and can cause a number of different diseases. Some of the symptoms associated with worms include weight loss, muscle pain, and diarrhea. It is important to know the signs of worms so you can make sure you treat them as soon as possible.
Pinworms
Approximately 600,000,000 people are infected with pinworms each year worldwide. There is a high prevalence of infection among school-age children. Infected people are prone to inhalation and ingesting of the worms’ eggs. The infected person’s hands are a common source of transmission. In addition, the pinworms’ eggs can survive for a few weeks in bedding and carpeting.
Humans can also acquire the infection from dogs. The worms live in the human intestine. The infection is mild, but it can cause impairments in development in children. Infection can be prevented by using a treatment known as pyrantel pamoate. It is effective against mature male worms but does not eliminate the larvae. In order to be successful, the medication should be administered regularly at intervals of less than two weeks.
The parasites form a strong co-evolutionary association with primate hosts. This congruence is a result of the parasite’s specific attributes and characteristics. Genetics plays a large role in host resistance in many host-parasite interactions.
Phylogenetic studies based on nucleotide and ribosomal DNA sequences identified three distinct genetic types in pinworms from chimpanzees. These types included Enterobius, Protenterobius, and Lemuricola. Further analysis of the Cox1 gene identified different haplotypes that further divided the species infecting great apes.
The morphological characteristics of pinworms infecting lemurs and slow lorises may not be a result of shared phylogenetic history. The pinworms from these two species are differentiated by the differences in their cuticular ornamentation.
Tapeworms
Various types of tapeworms in humans are caused by the Taenia family. These internal parasites live in the host’s digestive system. They are responsible for feeding on and absorbing nutrients from the host’s intestine. They also produce cysts, which are fluid-filled protective capsules.
There are three main tapeworm species that infect humans. These are the Diplogonoporus, the Taenia, and the Eucestoda.
Tapeworms in humans are usually non-life threatening. They live in the human digestive tract, but some can leave the body on their own. The treatment for a tapeworm infection depends on the type of infection and how the larvae migrate out of the host’s gut.
Tapeworms in humans can be diagnosed by microscopic examination of a stool sample. A person who has tapeworms should consult their doctor. The most common oral medication for tapeworms is praziquantel. This works by paralyzing the tapeworm inside the host’s digestive tract. It takes about one to three months to complete the course.
Tapeworms in humans can cause anemia. This condition is caused by the parasite disabling the vitamin B12-intrinsic factor complex. This makes the B12 unavailable to the host. Symptoms may include low white blood cell counts and platelets. If this condition is severe, the patient might be at risk for neurological disorders.
There are also anthelmintic drugs that can be used to eliminate cysts. They are not effective in all cases. However, they can shrink the masses.
Roundworms
Several species of nematodes, including roundworms, are parasitic organisms that live in the human digestive system. They eat protozoa, bacteria, and decaying organic material. Their life cycle is very complex. It can take many years to complete. They can infect humans, dogs, and even animals.
Most humans do not suffer from long-term health effects from roundworms. However, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. They can also lead to abdominal pain and anemia. In severe cases, roundworms can be fatal.
Infections with these worms occur most often in children. They can be prevented by avoiding areas with poor sanitation and by practicing good hygiene. If you are infected, you should see a doctor.
In the most severe cases, you may have to spend time in a hospital. Other symptoms include fever, stomach enlargement, and loose bowels. You should also avoid green salads and raw vegetables. This is to prevent further complications.
In addition to eating contaminated food, you can get infected by handling soil that has been contaminated by roundworm eggs. You should wash your hands immediately after feces. You should also avoid playing in the dirt.
If you think you have contracted a worm infection, you should seek medical care right away. The first step is to find out what type of worm you have. Once you have identified the type, you will need to get a stool sample. You should then have your sample tested by a laboratory.
Hookworms
Several species of hookworms infect humans. Generally, the infection is asymptomatic. However, the presence of these parasites can interfere with a person’s metabolism. This can result in iron deficiency anemia, diarrhea, and digestive tract problems. In addition, chronic infections can cause breathing and dizziness difficulties.
The majority of hookworms infect humans in arid or tropical regions. They live in contaminated soil and water and are able to penetrate the skin and intestines. This allows them to suck blood from their hosts. The parasites then rob the host of protein. This protein is needed by the body for many of its functions, and this is why the loss of protein is so harmful to the health of people affected by the disease.
The first sign of hookworms in humans is a rash on the skin. This rash usually develops on the legs or ankles. It is a symptom that is caused by the larvae of the Ancylostoma genus. The earliest lesions are erythematous macules and papules. They begin to rapidly turn into vesicles within a few hours.
Itchy, dry skin is another symptom of hookworms in humans. The larvae can enter the skin through broken skin, such as in a scratch, or through the bottoms of bare feet. They are easily seen and felt, and can cause itchy, raised red tracks on the skin. The earliest signs of skin infection are often asymptomatic.
Ascariasis
Symptoms of ascariasis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Affected people can also develop abdominal mass. Adult worms that have not moved after 10 days are usually dead. Ascariasis is a common parasitic nematode that infects more than 250 million people around the world.
Symptoms vary in intensity as the infection progresses. Children are at the highest risk. However, adults may experience intermittent loose stools or mild abdominal pain.
Symptoms of ascariasis are caused by adult worms that live in the intestine. This parasitic infection is a chronic one, which can cause growth failure in children. It is also associated with respiratory problems, such as pneumonia and asthma. The presence of eosinophils in the blood can be indicative of ascariasis.
Treatments for ascariasis are anthelmintic drugs. Aside from anthelmintic drugs, patients may be given surgery, such as an ERCP, to clear a blocked biliary duct.
Ascariasis is a disease that is endemic in tropical regions, where poor hygiene and nutrition are common. Among other factors, waste disposal services are important for preventing ascariasis. In the developed world, sporadic cases of human ascariasis have been reported. These cases are often related to A. suum.
The main cause of ascariasis in humans is Ascaris lumbricoides. This roundworm is the largest parasitic worm in the world. It lives in the small intestine and produces eggs that can be passed from feces into the environment. Infection with this worm is common in sub-Saharan Africa and in South Asia. It is rare in areas where the standard of hygiene is high.
Symptoms
Symptoms of worms in humans vary greatly. You may experience an allergic rash, coughing, and shortness of breath, or you could have more serious health conditions. If you do have a parasitic infection, it’s important to get the proper treatment.
The most common types of worms in humans are roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms. These are all parasitic worms that live inside the intestine.
The roundworm is the most common type. These worms can be four to five inches long and look like spaghetti. Some forms of roundworm infections can be very painful. They can cause diarrhea and fever. The best way to prevent these parasites is to avoid contaminated water, unwashed produce, and raw meat.
The pinworm is also a common worm that infects the intestines. The pinworm can cause vaginitis, frequent urination, and pain when urinating.
The worm can be transmitted by licking an infected pet or through dirty hands. Children are particularly susceptible to these infections. They can acquire them from worm-infected bed linen, toys, and dust.
The white particles in your urine are another sign of a worm infestation. These white particles may also be present in your genital discharge and kidney stones. Getting a blood test can also be a good way to detect worms.
Some people have been able to rid themselves of worms using home remedies. Luckily, most deworming medications are easy on the body and don’t have any negative side effects.
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