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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Parasitic worm Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.