What Is Parasitic Worm Infestation?
Worms are parasites that live in the different organ systems of their hosts and feed off of their nutrition. Certain parasites' hosts are humans. They may also infest other organs of the body, but in humans, they most commonly infest the digestive tract. Various parasitic worms can reside in humans, such as flatworms, roundworms, and thorny-headed worms.
While parasitic infestations are less prevalent in developed countries, they are endemic to developing countries in the tropics and subtropics, especially in overcrowded areas without proper sanitation.
What Are the Common Types of Intestinal Worms?
Flatworms and roundworms most commonly result in parasitic infections. They can be found in various habitats and cannot be usually seen by the naked eye.
The parasites that cause severe symptoms are:
Tapeworm - It is a type of flatworm that looks like a long white ribbon. It enters the body by drinking water contaminated with its eggs or larvae. The other method is to consume raw or undercooked meat. These worms get attached to the intestinal wall and stay there. This tapeworm can lay more eggs, which mature and travel to other body parts. Tapeworms can grow to 80 feet and thrive in humans for around 30 years.
Hookworms - These worms are transmitted through contaminated soil and feces. The larva of this worm can pierce the skin and enter the body if one walks barefoot on contaminated soil. They then hook on to the small intestinal wall and live there. They generally measure around half an inch.
Pinworms or Threadworms - They are a type of roundworm that is tiny and relatively harmless. These are the most common cause of worm infestation in children. They live in the colon or rectum when they mature fully, and the females can lay eggs around the anus during the night. These eggs can be found on clothes and linens. Touching a contaminated cloth and subsequently touching the mouth can lead to infection. The contaminants are small enough to be breathed in.
Flukes - It is also a type of flatworm which infests animals more than humans. Eating raw watercress and other plants sourced from freshwater are the main sources of these worms. Humans can also get infected by drinking contaminated water. Once they enter the digestive tract, they live in the intestines, tissues, or blood. All types of flukes only measure around one to three inches in length.
Trichinella Worms - It is also a type of roundworm that is commonly seen in animals. Humans get infected by eating raw or undercooked meat containing their larvae. These larvae then mature and reproduce in the intestines.
What Are the Symptoms of Intestinal Worms?
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Perianal itching.
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Abdominal discomfort.
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Lack of appetite.
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Abdominal cramps.
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Sudden weight loss.
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Nausea.
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Rashes.
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Bloody stool (dysentery).
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Worm in the stool.
While these are the common symptoms experienced by people with intestinal worms, some might not have any symptoms for years.
How Do These Worms Spread?
As children are exposed to the environment during outdoor play, they are most susceptible to getting infested. They frequently get exposed through the following modes:
- Touching contaminated soil.
- Petting infested animals.
- Lack of personal hygiene.
- Not following proper handwashing steps and routine.
- Intake of contaminated food or water.
- Coming in contact with contaminated feces.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The doctor will diagnose the condition after a thorough examination and a detailed history of the symptoms. If needed, the doctor might suggest getting one or more of the following tests:
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Stool tests - Worms that live and mature in the small intestine or colon can come from the body in the stools. The stool will be tested for the presence of worms or larvae.
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Blood tests - Worm infestations can increase the count of eosinophils, which is a type of white blood cell.
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X-rays - If the worms multiply and mature, they might become visible in an abdominal X-ray.
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Ultrasound - To check for worms in the intestine or other organs.
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CT or MRI - Provides detailed images to detect worms.
How Is It Treated?
Once a worm infestation is confirmed by the doctor using blood tests, stool examinations, or imaging tests, deworming treatment in the form of anti-parasitic medications, such as Albendazole, Mebendazole, and Ivermectin is prescribed by the doctor to be taken once. A repeat dose after six months may be given.
What Are the Possible Complications?
Parasitic worm infestation increases the risk of:
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Intestinal blockages or obstructions.
These complications are more common in older adults, people with a compromised immune system (HIV patients), and pregnant women.
When to Contact a Doctor for Worm Infestations?
An individual should contact a doctor for worm infestations if he or she experiences persistent symptoms like:
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Persistent itching around the anus or in the genital area.
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Visible worms in stools or around the anus.
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Pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
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Excessive nausea or vomiting.
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Diarrhea or constipation that continues for a long time.
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Blood in stools.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Severe fatigue or weakness.
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Difficulty sleeping due to itching.
How to Prevent Worm Infestation?
Since these parasites depend on an individual’s nutrition for survival, they can cause anemia, malnutrition, and stunted growth periods. It is, therefore, imperative to prevent them in the first place, or they can have long-term effects on health. Prevention is through the maintenance of proper hygiene measures:
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Encourage the child to wash their hands thoroughly after play, after using the toilet, and before eating every single time.
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Teach kids about the importance of maintaining personal hygiene by bathing every day.
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Use effective disinfectants while cleaning the floor of the house.
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Frequently change bedcovers and pillowcases in the child's room.
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Always trim the child's fingernails short.
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Discourage them from putting their hands in their mouths as a habit.
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Do not allow them to share clothes, towels, and undergarments with friends.
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Avoid eating out in places unsure of.
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Ensure vegetables and meat are thoroughly washed and cooked at all times.
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Drink only boiled, cooled water that is carried from home.
If one feels their child is infested with intestinal worms, they should talk to a doctor.
Conclusion
Parasitic worm infestations are a significant global health concern, mainly in areas with less access to healthcare and poor sanitation. Regular deworming programs play a major role in controlling and preventing these infections, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and individuals living in poverty. Raising awareness about the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and proper deworming practices can help reduce the burden of parasitic worm infestations and improve public health.
