Parasitic Worms in Children

Parasitic worms need a host to survive.

Because children come into close contact with each other, parasitic infections can spread easily. Some symptoms of a parasitic infection mimic viruses such as the rotavirus. The rotavirus causes diarrhea, cramping, vomiting and dehydration. To accurately diagnose and treat a parasitic infection, your physician will analyze your child's symptoms and take blood and stool samples.

Pinworm Infection

Pinworm infections pass easily between school-age children. Within the U.S., pinworms infections are the most common, as indicated by Mayo Clinic. Infections develop by ingesting pinworm eggs via contaminated food and drinks, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms result in intense anal itching, vaginal itching, restlessness at night and possible abdominal pain. Treatments include a regimen of anti-parasitic medications, such as Mebendazole.

Giardiasis Infection

Giardiasis parasites live in the intestines of animals and spread through fecal waste. Children are more apt to develop giardiasis during potty training and at child care centers, notes Mayo Clinic. Transmission occurs when you don't wash you hands after using the restroom, touching surfaces such as changing tables and bathroom handles. Giardiasis can also be caught while swimming in lakes, rivers or contaminated swimming pools. A giardiasis infection results in abdominal cramping, dehydration, possible weight loss, severe diarrhea and greasy stools. Antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications can help with infections.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis comes from contaminated meats (mostly pork), drinking contaminated water, touching contaminated objects or from a cat contaminated with the parasite. Children can sometimes be born with toxoplasmosis when the mother is infected with the parasite. Symptoms resemble the flu. Serious symptoms include seizures, jaundice and eye infections. A course of antibiotics can help.

Cryptosporidiosis

Children can get cryptosporidiosis, or Crypto, by drinking from contaminated water sources, attending day care centers or if they wear diapers, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not washing fruits contaminated with the parasite, touching contaminated objects (e.g., changing tables) or swallowing things that have touched contaminated stool can also result in infection. Symptoms are watery diarrhea, dehydration, cramping, nausea and vomiting, fever, and possible weight loss. Anti-parasitic medications are the first line of treatment. Increasing fluids prevents severe diarrhea. In severe instances of dehydration, administration of an intravenous line is necessary.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Pinworm Infection
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Parasites: Giardia
• Mayo Clinic: Giardia Infection (Giardiasis)
• Mayo Clinic: Toxoplasmosis
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Parasites
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Parasites: Cryptosporidiosis