Diseases Caused by Worms

Among immigrant workers as well as international workers, intestinal parasites are very widely spread. In the case of worm illnesses, such as ascariasis or enterobiasis are very common in youngsters in cold areas. You may be surprised to learn parasitic worms can feed on human blood. Although some people laugh at having worms in their bodies, it is possible. Parasite transmission often occurs throughout infancy due to increased exposure and poor sanitation. Water, soil, food, and direct human touch may spread to other species.

Diseases Caused by Worms

Parasitic Worms

Parasites are living organisms that feed on and reside inside other living organisms, such as your body. Contaminated food and drink, insect bites, and sexual contact are all ways for them to spread. Some parasitic diseases are treatable, while others are not.

Parasites can be as little as single-celled protozoa or as large as worms visible to the naked eye. Various parasitic illnesses exist in the United States. Giardia infections are spread via contaminated water sources. Toxoplasmosis, which is hazardous to pregnant women, can be applied by cats. Malaria, for example, is common in many places in the world.

It’s crucial to consume water that you know is safe while traveling. It is vital to take precautions. Vaccines to guard against parasite infections are not available. Parasite infestations can be treated with a variety of medications. Below are some of the common diseases that are caused by parasitic worms.

Diseases Caused by Parasitic Worms

A. Ascariasis

Ascariasis is a disease caused by roundworms. These parasitic worms live on your body as larvae or eggs before maturing into adult worms. Adult reproductive worms may reach lengths of over one foot (30 cm). The majority of persons who are sick have little or no symptoms. Conversely, a significant infestation might result in severe symptoms and problems.

B. Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, often known as bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm. Although schistosomiasis-causing worms are not found in the United States, individuals worldwide are impacted. In terms of severity, this infection is second only to malaria as the most lethal parasitic disease.

C. Hookworm Disease

Intestinal hookworm is a type of worm that resides in the intestines. The larvae of hookworms enter the body via the skin. When the eggs reach the intestines, they hatch. Hookworms have a hook-like characteristic on their heads that allows them to connect to the intestinal walls.

D. Pinworm Infection

One of the most prevalent intestinal worm infections in individuals is pinworm infection. Pinworms are small worms with thin bodies. They’re white and about half an inch long. Enterobiasis and oxyuriasis are other names for pinworm infestations. Infections with pinworms may spread quickly. They are widespread in youngsters aged 5 to 10 and those who reside in institutions and have regular, intimate interactions with these individuals.

E. Trichuriasis

Trichuriasis, often known as whipworm infection, is a parasitic ailment of the large intestine caused by Trichuris trichiura. Because of its likeness to a whip, this parasite is colloquially known as a “whipworm.” Ingestion of polluted water or soil containing whipworm parasites might result in whipworm infection. Anyone who comes into contact with faeces harboring the whipworm parasite can become unwell. The sickness is widespread among youngsters. It is also more common in nations with hot, humid weather and communities with poor sanitation and hygiene.

F. Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic worm illness caused by two different species of Strongyloides. S. stercoralis is the most frequent and clinically significant pathogenic species in humans. S fuelleborni is sometimes seen in Africa and Papua New Guinea.

G. Trichinosis

Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a roundworm-borne sickness. To survive and proliferate, Trichinella parasitic roundworms need a host. These parasites may be found in bears, cougars, walruses, foxes, wild boars, and domestic pigs. After consuming the larval stage of the roundworm, you get ill.

Causes

The causes are as follows-

1. Transmission of parasites is possible through mammals due to contaminated food or drink or by the course of sexual intercourse. 
2. Normally the parasites enter bodies through the skin or the mouth. Close contact with dogs and cays can also lead to parasite infections.
3. Improper excrement disposal, lack of hygiene, close contact with someone carrying specific parasites, walking barefoot, etc. can also cause parasite infections.
4. The bite of an insect-like mosquito can also cause transmit parasites.

Types of Worms

Types of Worms
Worms	Characteristics
Tapeworm	It is a flatworm that lives in the intestine and attaches itself to the walls of the intestine. Tapeworms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be found in food as well as water.
Hookworm	They enter the body with contaminated soil. People are at risk if are exposed to feces or soil that has been fertilized. Diseases caused have gastrointestinal symptoms.
Fluke	They are most commonly seen in animals but also affect man. Adult flukes infect bile ducts and the liver after entering the body. People can have extremely big liver or abnormal liver test results.
Pinworm	They are small, roundworms around the size of a staple.  They are found in the colon and rectum of people. Itching around the anus and making sleeping impossible.roundworms
Ascariasis	They resemble a hookworm. Dwell in the intestines of the human body. Strives in contaminated soil and enters the body only when people eat the eggs. They cause minimal to no symptoms. Another hand, severe infections might induce intestinal obstructions or stunts in children.

Conclusion

Parasites are living entities that need a host, such as humans, to survive. Due to increasing exposure and inadequate sanitation, parasite transmission is standard throughout childhood. As a worm’s grasp becomes more potent, it becomes more difficult to expel it from the body.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What are diseases caused by worms?

Answer-

Some diseases caused by worms include Taeniasis, ascariasis, and filariasis.

Q 2. What is the most common worm disease?

Answer-

The most common worm disease is Pinworm.