Parasitic Worm Infestations and Deworming

What Is Parasitic Worm Infestation?

Worms are parasites living in the different organ systems of the hosts and feed off of their nutrition. There are certain parasites whose hosts are us, humans. They may also infest other organs of the body, but in humans, most commonly they infest the digestive tract. There are various parasitic worms that can reside in humans, for example, flatworms, roundworms, and thorny-headed worms.

While parasitic infestations are not as predominant in developed countries, it is endemic to developing countries in the tropics and sub-tropics, especially in areas that are overcrowded and without proper sanitation.

What Are the Causes?

Flatworms and roundworms most commonly result in parasitic infection. They can be found in a variety of habitats, and cannot be usually seen by the naked eye. The parasites which cause severe symptoms are:

Tapeworm - It is a type of flatworm and looks like a white, long ribbon. It enters the body by drinking water contaminated with its eggs or larvae. The other method is by consuming 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 parts of the body. Tapeworm can grow to 80 feet and thrive in a human for around 30 years.

Hookworms - These worms are transmitted through contaminated soil and feces. The larva of this worm can pierce your skin and enter the body if you walk 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 roundworms and are tiny and relatively harmless worms. 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. If you touch a contaminated cloth and then touch your mouth, you can get infected. And they are tiny enough for you to breathe them 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 start living in your intestines, tissues, or blood. All types of flukes only measure around 1 to 3 inches in length.

Trichinella Worms - It is also a type of roundworm that are 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?

• Perianal itching.

• Abdominal discomfort.

• Lack of appetite.

• Abdominal cramps.

• Sudden weight loss.

• Nausea.

• Fever.

• Rashes.

• Bloody stool (dysentery).

• 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 get infested. They frequently get exposed by the following modes:

- Touching contaminated soil.

- Petting infested animals.

- Lack of personal hygiene.

- Not following proper hand washing 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 you get one or more of the following tests:

1. Stool tests - Worms that live and mature in the small intestine or colon can come out of the body in the stools. Your stool will be tested for the presence of worms or larvae.

2. Blood tests - Worm infestations can increase the count of eosinophils, which is a type of white blood cell.

3. X-rays - If the worms multiply and mature, they might become visible in an abdominal X-ray.

4. Ultrasound - To check for the worms in the intestine or other organs.

5. CT or MRI - Provides detailed images to detect worms.

How Is It Treated?

Once worm infestation is confirmed by the doctor using blood tests, stool examination or imaging tests, deworming treatment in the form of anti-parasitic medications, such as Albendazole, Mebendazole, and Ivermectin are prescribed by the doctor to be taken once. A repeat dose after a period of six months may be given.

What Are the Possible Complications?

Parasitic worm infestation increases the risk of:

• Anemia.

• Intestinal blockages or obstruction.

These complications are more common in older adults, people with a compromised immune system (HIV patients), and pregnant women.

How to Prevent Worm Infestation?

Since these parasites depend on our nutrition for their 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:

1. Encourage the child to wash the hands thoroughly after play, after using the toilet and before eating, every single time.

2. Teach kids about the importance of maintaining personal hygiene through bathing every day.

3. Use effective disinfectants while cleaning the floor of the house.

4. Frequently change bedcovers and pillowcases in your child's room.

5. Trim your child's fingernails short always.

6. Discourage them from putting their hands in their mouth as a habit.

7. Do not allow them to share clothes, towels, and undergarments with friends.

8. Avoid eating out in places you are unsure of.

9. Ensure vegetables and meat are thoroughly washed and cooked at all times.

10. Drink only boiled, cooled water that you carry from home.

If you feel your child is infested with intestinal worms, talk to a doctor now through phone or video consultation!