Information on Roundworms
Roundworms are small organisms called nematodes. These organisms are parasitic to humans. They are acquired in the soil or on the floor of a public area like a locker room or bathroom. The worms are usually transferred in the mouth where they travel to the skin. Some roundworms are capable of entering the body through the skin directly. The worms lay eggs and produce larvae, which is when symptoms begin to appear in patients. The most common type of roundworm that infects humans is Ascaris lumbricoides.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of a roundworm infection depend on the type of nematode that has entered the body. Most patients experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss and loss of appetite. More serious side effects include blood in the sputum, blurry vision, or even difficulty breathing. In patients who develop an infection from guinea worm disease, a blister and open soar is present. The site of infection is swollen and painful.
Ascariasis
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Ascariasis is a disease caused by the roundworm species Ascaris lumbricoides. The nematode is usually from eating food or drink that has been contaminated. The food can become contaminated from being grown in soil and not properly washed before ingesting it. The roundworm enters the digestive tract and soon migrates to the lungs. It grows in the respiratory tract where it causes breathing problems for patients. As patients cough up the eggs from the worm, the eggs are swallowed where more larvae are formed.
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Guinea Worm Disease
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Guinea worm disease is caused by the nematode species Dracunculus medinensis. This worm enters the body through the mouth. Most patients become infected through contaminated water. These roundworms travel to areas of the skin where they produce painful sores. These sores are opened when the worm is about to lay eggs. The worm produces eggs when the wound is submersed in water.
Hookworm
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A hookworm infection is a disease in which the larvae from roundworms enter the body. The species that are most commonly found in human disease are Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus. These enter through the skin and travel to the intestines. Once in the intestines, the nematode produces eggs. These roundworms are serious conditions since the nematode feeds on the blood of the host. This causes anemia, and it can be especially dangerous for children.
Trichinosis
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Trichinosis is a common disease that occurs after a patient eats undercooked pork or meat. The larvae of the Trichinella spiralis roundworm. The roundworm enters the body through the mouth and infects the intestines. The adult roundworm produces larvae that then migrate to muscles. The larvae can be present in the muscle for years before symptoms are presented.
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