Parasite Worms

Posted by admin on June 10 2009 Add Comments

Parasite Worm

Parasite worms can cause a significant amount of distress and even mortality throughout the world. They are especially prevalent in less developed nations where there are lowered standards of food preparation and personal hygiene. But these types of intestinal worms are not limited to these nations and are quite common in the United States.

There is a wide variety of parasites that are common in the United States, such as pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Here is what you need to know about each of these harmful invaders and how you can keep them out of your body.

Pinworms — Enterobius vermicularis is the Latin name for pinworms, the most common parasite worm in the United States. Humans are the only known host of the pinworm, and it affects roughly 209 million people throughout the world. Humans can become infected with pinworms by ingesting contaminated food, water, or dust.

Adult pinworms are small, reaching a length of two to ten millimeters. They live mainly in the large intestine. But when female pinworms reach maturity, they will travel to the area just outside the anus to lay their eggs. Up to fifteen thousand eggs may be laid in location! These eggs can then be easily spread to other hosts via contact with contaminated sheets, clothing, furniture, toilet seats, or hands.

Anal itching is the number one complaint associated with pinworm parasite worms, followed by insomnia and sleep disturbances. In more serious cases of pinworm infection, symptoms such as weight loss, urinary tract infection, and appendicitis may be noted.

Roundworms — The roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, are the largest intestinal parasite worms in the world. It affects roughly one billion people throughout the world, the majority of which are children. Roundworms are large parasites, resembling earthworms in their general appearance. They can infect their human host via direct contact with contaminated soil, food, or feces.

These intestinal worms can travel throughout the body, causing destruction at several points along their journey. They may be responsible for severe tissue irritation and allergic reactions in the liver and the lungs. Adult roundworms may make their home in the liver, the lungs, or the heart. If you become infected with roundworms, there are many symptoms to be on the look out for.

Symptoms of a roundworm infection include cramping, swelling, insomnia, allergic reactions, and weight loss. If left untreated, roundworms can multiply to such great numbers that they cause a blockage within the digestive system.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms — Tapeworms are very large intestinal parasite worms that can wreak havoc within the digestive system. There are several types of tapeworms, such as the beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata), the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), the dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninium), and the fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum).

Tapeworms are whitish in color with a flat head and a long, ribbon-like body. In extreme circumstances, they can grow to several feet in length and live within their human host for up to twenty five years. In most cases, a tapeworm infection will elicit few noticeable symptoms and may go undetected throughout its entire lifespan.

However, the most common symptoms of tapeworms would include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Symptoms will vary in people.
Hookworms — Anclyostoma duodenal and Necator americanus are the two species of parasite worms that are found exclusively in humans. Anclyostoma duodenale, is found primarily in Europe, Africa, China, Japan, India, and the Pacific islands. Necator americanus, on the other hand, is found in North and South America and the Caribbean.

Hookworms can penetrate the human skin. The main pathway of infection is through the soles of the feet. Individuals who walk barefoot in areas that are contaminated with hookworm larvae are likely to become infected by the parasite. The larvae then travel through the body until they reach their final destination, the small intestines. These parasite worms can range in length from approximately six to twelve millimeters.

The greatest concern regarding hookworm infection is the loss of blood that occurs when this parasite attaches its teeth like hooks into the lining of the intestines. Symptoms of hookworm infection include itchy skin and blisters and the point of entry, followed by nausea, dizziness, weight loss, appetite changes, and anemia.

Keeping Parasite Worms Out!

Humans can contract parasite worms via a number of pathways — the foods we eat, the water we drink or bathe in, the animals we come in contact with, or even the (dirty) air we breathe. But this does not mean that we are destined to become infected with parasites. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of a parasite infection.

Wash hands frequently throughout the day, especially before eating and after using the toilet or handling animals. Use soap and hot water. Be sure to lather for at least thirty seconds.
Only drink filtered or treated water. If you are not sure of the quality of your tap water, use a water filter to help purify the water.
Wear shoes, especially on beaches and in playgrounds that may house animal feces. It is common for humans to become invested with worms while walking around barefoot in contaminated areas, such as locker rooms and dirty carpet.
Do not swim in water that may be contaminated with parasites. This may include many public places, such as beachs, lakes and rivers. Do your research on the public waters located near your home, before your family takes a dip.
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat. This is especially important for fish. While sushi is delicious for some, it is a common source of intestinal worms. Take caution before devouring.
Wash and peel fruits/vegetables before eating them, especially if they are to be eaten raw. Use soap to sanitize the outside. Buy organic fruits and vegetables when possible.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM