Millions of people around the globe have experienced parasitic worm infections. There are over 100 types of parasitic worms that live in human bodies. Some parasites are visible to the eyes while others are microscopic in size. These human parasitic worms or helminths are worm-like, disease-causing organisms that live in human beings. It obtains its nourishment from its host and cause harm and disease to the human being. The nutrient-absorption of the host is disrupted thus, causing weakness and under-nourishment to individuals who are infected with the parasitic worms. They are to blame for the many health problems suffered by the individual since they secrete toxins that are harmful to the body and they steal the vital nutrients which the body needs to remain healthy.
Helminth eggs contaminate the air, water, food, feces, and even pets and wild animals. Toilet seats and door handles are two of the most common objects that can be contaminated by helminth eggs. Human parasites enter the body through water, food, mosquito bites, sexual conduct, or through the skin, anus or nose. One inside the human body, the helminth eggs settle in the intestine where they hatch, develop and multiply. They can sometimes infest and thrive in other parts of the body. Most of these parasites need a host in order to complete their life cycle. Human parasitic worms are present in any person, at any age, and in any disease. Parasitic worms are categorized into four types: Nematoda, Cestoda, Trematoda, and Protozoa. Some of the most common helminths or human parasitic worms include: roundworm; pinworm; trichina spiralis; tapeworm; and fluke.
Roundworm eggs enter the body through contaminated food or water. Fingers that have touched a contaminated object and then placed in the mouth are also a contributing factor. Roundworms hatch and thrive in the intestines. Symptoms of roundworm infection include poor appetite, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Pinworms also known as threadworms or seatworms are the most common worms. The symptoms of pinworm infection are: itching and irritation of the vagina or anus, insomnia, irritability, digestive disorders, and nervousness. The eggs can be passed through direct contact, or through sharing of food or other objects. They hatch and live primarily in the intestines.
Early symptoms of trichina spiralis include: abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Eventually, muscle pain, puffiness of the face, and high fever develop. The worms will in time penetrate the muscles, the heart and brain and can cause death. The eggs enter the body through uncooked or raw meat. It will hatch and mature in the intestine and then migrate to other parts of the body. Tapeworm eggs enter the body through raw or uncooked beef. Symptoms of the parasite’s presence in the body are usually absent. There are some patients who suffer abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Tapeworms live in the intestines. Flukes enter the human body by penetrating the skin of the individual who is washing, bathing, or swimming in water where flukes are active. Usually, infected persons develop no symptoms but there are some who experience itching, rash, coughing, fever, chills, and muscle aches.
