Roundworms in Humans

Roundworms are a group of invertebrates belonging to the phylum Nematoda. There are many parasitic species of roundworms, the length of which range from one millimeter to one meter. There are roundworms that can be seen with the naked eye, but some are visible only with the help of a microscope. The eggs and larvae of the roundworms are found in the soil and enter the human body mainly due to poor hygienic practices. While in most cases roundworms get access to the human body through the mouth, there are some roundworms that enter the body through the skin. Almost all types of adult roundworms, except that which cause trichinosis, live in the body of humans as intestinal parasites and cause many health problems. Round worm infections are more common in the warm regions across the world, and the most common form is 'ascariasis,' caused by the worm 'Ascaris lumbricoides.'

Types of Roundworm Infections

There are many types of roundworms that can cause different health problems in human beings. Symptoms of roundworms in humans also vary according to the type of roundworm which actually causes the infection. We shall start with the most common type of roundworm infection called 'ascariasis,' caused by the large intestinal roundworm known as 'Ascaris lumbricoides'. These roundworms can grow up to 14 inches in length. Once the eggs of these roundworms reach the intestine, larvae are released, which in turn perforate the intestinal wall, and enter the liver and lungs through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Once inside the lungs, these worms can cause cough, chest pain, breathing trouble, etc. From the lungs, they travel to the airways and the back of the mouth, where they are ingested to the stomach along with saliva. They reach the intestine, grow, and the adult roundworms lay thousands of eggs per day. Large numbers of roundworms in the intestine can result in symptoms like stomach pain, cramps, and nausea, and can also cause intestinal blockage or rupture.

Enterobius vermicularis is another type of roundworm which is known as pinworm and causes enterobiasis. Pinworms are small and thread-like in appearance. They inhabit the colon and rectum of humans, especially children. The most common symptom of pinworms in children is itching around the anus, which gets worse at night. Pinworm infection does not cause any serious health problems. It causes abdominal pain, cramps, fever, etc. Trichuriasis is caused by 'Trichuris trichiura', commonly known as whipworm, which are very thin and have a whip-like shape. The eggs that are ingested reach the small intestine and develop to larvae, which then move to the large intestine. Once they reach the intestine, they get themselves attached to the wall of the intestine. Though mild infections do not cause any health problems, once they multiply in large numbers, they can cause intermittent stomach pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, and weight loss in adults. However, in children, serious whipworm infection may cause anemia, rectal prolapse, and developmental retardation.

Another common roundworm infection is caused by hookworm, and the condition is called Ancylostomiasis. Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin, and in most cases,this happens when people walk barefoot over contaminated soil. They penetrate the skin, enter the bloodstream and reach the lungs. From the lungs, they travel to the windpipe and back to the intestine. They can produce symptoms like itchy rashes, cough, wheezing, breathing trouble, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Toxocariasis is a form of roundworm infection commonly found in cats and dogs. The eggs of these roundworms can enter the human body and reach the intestine, where they hatch. The larvae travel to other parts of the body and infest the lungs, heart, brain, liver, and the eyes, and produce symptoms like coughing bouts, skin rash, high fever, and tissue swellings called granulomas. It can also lead to major health problems like inflammation of the liver and lungs, and eye infections. In humans, the condition is also called Visceral Larva Migrans. There are many other types of roundworms in humans.

How to Treat Roundworms in Humans?

Treatment for roundworm infection is decided according to the type of roundworm infection. Most of the roundworms are intestinal parasites in humans, which require anti-parasitic drugs like mebendazole, albendazole, etc. But in some cases, surgery is recommended to deal with the obstructions caused by the roundworm infestation in the intestine and other organs. It is also claimed that vitamin A supplementation can be a cure for roundworms in humans. Apart from the conventional treatment methods, a balanced and nutritious diet is also good to get rid of roundworms in humans. You can also include herbs and spices like garlic, cloves, cinnamon, wormwood, turmeric, olive leaf, etc., which are also beneficial in fighting roundworm infection in humans.

Roundworm being a parasite, the most important way of keeping them away is personal hygiene, which plays an important role as far as roundworm infection is concerned. As the infection of roundworms in humans is caused by the ingestion of roundworm eggs through the mouth, you have to make it a habit to wash your hands properly before eating food. It is also advisable to clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.