Worms: A small, limpless invertebrate with an elongated,
soft, and naked body, as a flat worm, roundworm, or annelid.
Parasitic Worms: many species of worms (also referred
to as helminths) are parasitic by nature and select the human organism
as their host. Whereas invasion by any form of organism is usually called
an infection, the presence of parasitic worms in the body also can be termed
and infestation. The microscope is required for the discovery of the eggs
or larval forms of most worm infestations.
Common roundworm: The cost common of the intestinal
worms is the large, rounded ascaris (as’kah-ris), which is very
prevalent in many parts of Asia, where it is found mostly in the larval
form. In the United States it is found especially frequently in the children
of the rural South. This worm resembles the earthworm (fish worm)
in appearance and may be present in such large numbers that intestinal
obstruction ensues. the eggs produced by the adult worms are very resistant
so that they can live in soil during either freezing or hot, dry weather
and cannot be destroyed even by strong antiseptics. The embryo worms develop
within the eggs deposited with excreta in the soil, and later reach the
digestive system of a victim by means of contaminated food. Discovery of
this condition may be made by a routine stool examination.
Pinworms: Another fairly common infestation, particularly
in children, is the seat or pinworm (Enterobius Vermicularis), which
is also very hard to control and eliminate. The worms average somewhat
less than one-half inch in length and live in the lower part of the alimentary
tract (organs of digestion). The adult female moves outside to the vicinity
of the anus to lay its thousands of eggs. These eggs are often transferred
by the child’s fingers from the itching anal area to the mouth. In the
digestive system of the victim the eggs develop to form new adult worms,
and thus a new infestation is begun. The child also may infect others by
this means. patience and every precaution, with careful attention to the
doctor’s instructions, are necessary if the patient is to be rid of the
worms. * Washing hand, keeping fingernails clean, and avoiding finger sucking
are all essential.
Hookworms: Parasites that live in the small intestine.
They are dangerous because they suck blood from the host, causing such
a severe anemia (blood deficiency) that the victim becomes sluggish, both
physically and mentally. Most victims become susceptible to various chronic
infections because of extremely reduced resistance following such a great
and continuous blood loss. Hookworms lay thousands of eggs, which are distributed
in the soil by contaminated excreta,. The eggs develop into small larvae
which are able to penetrate the intact skin of bare feet. They enter the
blood, and by way of the circulating fluids, the lungs and the upper respiratory
tract, finally reach the digestive system. Prevention of this infestation
is accomplished best by the proper disposal of excreta, attention to sanitation,
and the wearing of shoes in areas where the soil is contaminated.
Other roundworms: While most roundworms are transmitted
via, excreta, the small Trichinella (trik-i-nel’ah) found in pork and other
muscle foods is an exception. These tiny roundworms become enclosed in
a cyst, that is, a sac, inside the muscles of the rat, the pig and
man. If pork is not well cooked, these sacs or cysts are dissolved by the
host’s digestive juices, and the tiny worms mature and travel to the muscles
where they again become encased. This disease is known a trichinosis
(trik-i-no’-sis). Another threadlike worm causes filariasis (fil-ah-ri’ah-sis).
This tiny worms transmitted by such biting insects as flies and mosquitoes.
The worms grow in large numbers, causing various body disturbances. If
the lymph vessels become clogged by them, there results a condition called
elephantiasis (el-e-fan-ti’ah-sis) in which the lower
extremities and the scrotum may become tremendously
enlarged. Filariasis is most common in tropical and subtropical lands,
such a southern Asia and many of the South Pacific islands.
Flatworms: Some flatworms resemble long ribbons, while
other have the shape of a leaf. Tapeworms may grow in the intestinal
tract to a length of from 5 to 50 feet. They are spread by infected, improperly
cooked meats, including beef, pork and fish. As is the case with most intestinal
and worm parasites, the reproductive systems are very highly developed,
so that each worm produces an almost unbelievable number of eggs which
then may contaminate food, water and soil. The leaf-shape flatworms are
known as flukes; they may invade various parts of the body including the
blood, the lungs, the liver and the intestine.
Symptoms:
* Severe anal itching, more so at night
* Itching on the soles of the patients feet may suggests hookworms;
in some, this may be accompanied by a rash, coughing
bloody sputum, and fever, followed by loss of appetite, diarrhea, palpitations,
fatigue and anemia.
* Diarrhea and cramping that last up to 7 days, followed by
a fever, muscle pain, facial swollen around the eyes and conjunctivitis
(pink eye); may be signs of trichinosis.
* Weight loss and loss of appetite, irritability, diarrhea,
abdominal pain and vomiting are symptoms of tapeworms.
* Breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing, followed
by vomiting, stomach pain, and bloating, may suggest ascariasis.
* Bronchitis; diarrhea, abdominal pain and flatulence; with
small red lesions that may itch, may suggest threadworms.
* Any worm infestation can lead to respiratory or cardiovascular
complications, but most are easily treated and cause no lasting harm.
Treatment:
* Responds to medicines specifically for the type of worm: outcome
good
* Your doctor may prescribe medication with pyrantel or mebendazole
for hookworms and threadworms.
* For pinworms, your doctor may prescribe three oral doses of mebendazole,
two weeks apart.
* Since the eggs can easily spread, everyone in the household
must be treated. Washing all bed linens and clothing with hot water (with
detergent) is essential to eradicate all pinworm eggs.
* To relieve itching in the anal area, try applying petroleum jelly
to anal area.
* Trichinosis that spreads to the respiratory, cardiovascular or
central nervous system is rare, it is treated with corticosteroids to fight
the inflammation.
most cases of trichinosis are mild and do not need medication; but
if symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe mebendazole.
* Tapeworms may not clear your system for up to five months.
* After you have completed a course of treatment, your doctor
may want ot repeat the diagnostic tests to make sure the worms are gone.
***Good hand washing is important. Before and after bathroom use;
Before and after dining.
***Keep fingernails short and clean. (keep child from putting fingers
into mouth)
***Have all your four-legged pets checked and treated for worms.
***Cook meat thoroughly.
***Wash utensils, that comes in contact with raw meat with hot soapy
water.
***Wearing shoes where hookworms and threadworms may live (soil)
***Call your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms