What Are the Different Types of Roundworms?

BY CLAUDINE LAND AUG. 14, 2017

Roundworms include more than 15,000 known species and up to half a million unknown species. Most do
not cause disease, but several species can infect humans, causing symptoms that range from mild to
severe. Although serious roundworm infections are uncommon in the U.S., they remain a major health
concern in developing nations and continue to pose risks for travelers worldwide. Several roundworm
infections cause symptoms primarily related to the human digestive tract, while others typically cause
muscle, lung or skin symptoms.

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 Pinworms

Pinworms are the most common type of roundworm infection in the U.S. These infections most frequently
affect children but adult family members can be easily infected as well. Itching around the anus -- where
these tiny worms lay their eggs -- is the only major symptom. Pinworm infections are easy to diagnose
and treat.

Ascaris

Ascaris lumbricoides is a large intestinal roundworm that can grow to the size of a pencil. Infections with
these worms are uncommon in the U.S. Many people experience no symptoms or occasional, mild
intestinal discomfort. However, the worms may block the intestine if the infection is severe. Immature
Ascaris worms travel through the lungs, which can cause coughing and wheezing.

Hookworms

Hookworm eggs hatch in soil and tiny, barely visible immature worms enter the body by burrowing into the
skin, such as the soles of the feet when walking without shoes. The worms travel to the intestines, where
they mature, attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood, potentially causing anemia. Human
hookworm infections are rare in the U.S. However, immature dog and cat hookworms can infect humans,
crawling within the skin and causing itchy red tracks -- a condition known as cutaneous larva migrans.

Strongyloides

Like hookworms, immature Strongyloides worms live in the soil and enter the body through the skin and
attach to the intestine as adults. Most cases of strongyloidiasis are mild but symptoms can occur,
including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Strongyloides infections are rare in
the U.S., but cases have been reported in rural areas of the Southeast.

Trichinella

Trichinella roundworms primarily infect pigs and wild game, but can infect humans who eat the
undercooked meat of infected animals. Symptoms from these infections range from mild to very severe
and occur in 2 stages. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur 1 to 2 days after eating the infected
meat. About 2 weeks later, muscle pain, fever and headache may develop.

Filarial Worms and Whipworms

Filarial worms and whipworms are tropical roundworms. Mosquito-transmitted filarial worms lodge in the
lymph nodes and cause swelling, known as elephantiasis. Soil-transmitted whipworms, which can be
found in the southern U.S., infect the intestines. Mild cases typically cause no symptoms but severe
infections may cause bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Toxocara and Baylisascaris

Some roundworm infections in the U.S. are caused species that normally infect animals but can cause
disease in humans. Toxocariasis occurs when people ingest dog or cat roundworm eggs. The eggs hatch
into immature worms that travel throughout the body but usually don’t cause symptoms. Humans can be
infected in a similar way with the eggs of the raccoon-infecting roundworm Baylisascaris. While this
infection is rare, serious symptoms can occur including liver enlargement, loss of coordination and muscle
control, blindness and coma.

Symptoms of Roundworms in People

BY ABIGAIL ADAMS AUG. 14, 2017

Roundworms are long, round parasites that may infect humans and cause health problems. Most often,
people ingest roundworm larvae or eggs after touching soil, although they may enter directly through the
 skin, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Risk factors for developing a
roundworm infestation include unsanitary living environments, a lack of clean drinking water and crowded
conditions. Symptoms may vary, depending on the type of roundworm causing the infection and the area
of the body infected.

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Pinworm Symptoms

Pinworms are the most common type of roundworm to infect the intestines, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms of pinworms include severe itching of the anus or vaginal area that worsens at night,
restlessness and insomnia, nausea and abdominal pain.

Ascariasis Symptoms

Ascariasis is an infection caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides roundworm. Many individuals do not show
symptoms associated with the infection. If symptoms are present, they may include lung problems such
as a cough with bloody sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing. Gastrointestinal symptoms include
stomach pain, vomiting of the worms and passing worms during a bowel movement. Some individuals
may also experience a fever and skin rash. The roundworms may also leave the body through the mouth
and nose, according to MedlinePlus.

Whipworm Symptoms

People typically ingest whipworm eggs after touching contaminated soil. Many individuals with a mild
whipworm infection may not experience any symptoms associated with the infestation. Other individuals
may experience symptoms such as a decreased appetite, pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. A massive
whipworm infection may cause weight loss, chronic diarrhea, anemia and bleeding from the intestines or
prolapse of the rectum, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library Home Edition.

Trichinosis Symptoms

Trichinosis is a roundworm infection that may occur after a person ingests undercooked meat -- especially
meats such as walrus, bear and fox -- contaminated with the eggs from the worm. Symptoms of
trichinosis include abdominal symptoms after about two to seven days with additional symptoms following
one to eight weeks later, according to MayoClinic.com. Common abdominal symptoms include cramping
and diarrhea. The individual may also experience general discomfort throughout the body. Additional
symptoms that may appear after larvae begin to migrate out of the intestines and enter the bloodstream
or other tissues. These possible symptoms include headaches, weakness, muscular pain, fever, pink eye,
facial or eye swelling and sensitivity to light.

Hookworm Symptoms

Hookworms enter the human body when people walk barefoot on contaminated soil or swallow the soil.
Symptoms of a hookworm infection include an itchy rash where the worm entered the body. Mild
hookworm infections may not cause any symptoms, but severe infections may cause abdominal pain,
decreased appetite, weight loss and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.

Hookworm Treatments for Humans

BY JOSEPH PRITCHARD AUG. 14, 2017

Hookworm disease is the infection with a roundworm parasite in the small intestine and lungs. Each
parasite is approximately 1/2 inch long. Over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from hookworm infestation,
according to Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website. Most patients hail from tropical or
 subtropical regions. Hookworms are particularly dangerous in children who do not have the ability to fight
off the parasite. Treatment for hookworm disease focuses on eradicating the parasite and relieving
serious symptoms that the worm can cause.

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Mebendazole

Mebendazole, which comes in chewable 100mg tablets, works by preventing the parasite from using
glucose. Without glucose the parasite has no energy to perform the tasks necessary for its survival.
Drugs.com states that the drug cures hookworm infection 96 percent of the time. Side effects of the
Mebendazole include temporary abdominal pain, rash, convulsions and liver damage.

Albendazole

Albendazole is a medication that specifically kills roundworms. Albendazole interferes with certain
processes that the hookworm needs to perform in order to survive within the patient. By interrupting the
parasite’s metabolism, the drug kills it. The dead worms are excreted in the patient’s stool. Albendazole
should be taken with food in order to prevent patients from suffering from an upset stomach, which is a
common side effect of the drug.

Pyrantel

Pyrantel is an anthelmentic drug, which means that it kills parasites such as the hookworm and other
roundworms. Pyrantel is often used in patients with a roundworm infection or in patients with infestations
of multiple worms. Pyrantel works in multiple simultaneous parasitic infections because the drug can
eradicate many different types of worms. The drug works by paralyzing the worm, which allows the
patient to pass the worm in the stool. Pyrantel should be used cautiously in pregnant women, women who
are breastfeeding and patients with liver disease. In each of these cases, other forms of treatment for a
hookworm infection should be used before trying pyrantel.

Herbal Home Remedy for Hookworms in a Human

BY MARTIN HUGHES AUG. 14, 2017
Hookworm disease, a roundworm infestation, usually targets your lungs and small intestines. The
National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that the worms are approximately half an inch long,
and that this condition commonly occurs in people living in moist tropical or subtropical regions of the
world. The Center states that this condition affects more than 1 billion people throughout the world.
Certain herbs may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating this condition. However, the use of herbal
remedies should always be discussed with a knowledgeable health care professional beforehand.

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Hookworm Disease

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease states that hookworm disease is one of the most
frequently experienced parasitic roundworm infections of your intestines. Common signs and symptoms
associated with hookworm disease include mild abdominal pain or discomfort, intestinal cramps, colic,
nausea and diarrhea that begins once the worms mature in your intestines. You may also notice the
 worms' eggs in your stool. In later stages of this disease, you may suffer severe anemia, or decreased
red blood cells in your body.

Herbal Home Remedies

In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician and expert herbalist
Sharol Tilgner states that some herbs may possess anti-parasitic action, or the ability to destroy
parasites. Examples of herbs with anti-parasitic action include fresh black walnut, clove, elecampane,
garlic, rue and wormwood. Herbs that may be helpful in treating many types of worms, including
hookworms, include cascara sagrada, ficus, gentian root, mugwort, slippery elm and thyme. Antiparasitic
herbs should be used in combination with other, more conventional treatments for this condition.

A Commonly Used Remedy

Wormwood may be a commonly used remedy in the treatment of hookworm and other parasitic
infestations. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for
Nutritional Healing," wormwood has historically been used to eliminate worms, boost stomach acidity and
reduce fever. Naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states
that wormwood is an anthelmenthic, or an herbal agent that may be destructive to worms and intestinal
parasites. Talk with your doctor about the efficacy of this herb before using it to treat your ailments.

Additional Information

Although some herbs may be a helpful adjunct treatment for worms and parasites, not all herbs may be
appropriate for you and your condition. Tilgner notes that antiparasitic or anthelmenthic herbs may be
toxic in humans if used in excess, and that they should always be used under the supervision of a
qualified health care professional. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that there are
three serious health complications associated with hookworm disease: anemia, ascites and nutritional
deficiencies. Discuss all possible treatment methods with your doctor before using herbal remedies so
that you might avoid serious health complications.

Herbs That Destroy Intestinal Parasites

BY JANET CONTURSI AUG. 14, 2017
Intestinal parasites are worms that spend at least part of their life cycle in the human intestine. Common
intestinal worms include tapeworms and roundworms, such as ascarids, hookworms, pinworms, Guinea
worms, threadworms and whipworms. You can become infected with these parasites if you travel to areas
with poor sanitation, walk barefoot on infested soil or eat food that isn’t fully cooked. Herbs that kill or
expel these parasites are potent and should be used with care.

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Wormwood

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium. A. annua) makes a bitter tea that, as its name suggests, has
traditionally been used to eliminate intestinal worms. Wormwood leaf contains potent plant chemicals that
are active against a variety of intestinal parasites. In his book, “Medical Herbalism: the Science and
 Practice of Herbal Medicine,” herbalist David Hoffmann recommends wormwood for roundworm and
pinworm. Make a tea from dried wormwood leaf or take the tincture, but do not drink any wormwood
essential oil product. Do not take wormwood if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Aloe

Aloe (Aloe vera) is a potent purgative. Take this remedy as a juice, powder, gel or tablet for any type of
intestinal parasite. Do not take aloe if you are pregnant because it may cause vomiting. Consult a doctor
before giving aloe to children or the elderly.

Male Fern

Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is one of the most powerful anti-parasitic herbs for tapeworms. While
effective, herbalist David Hoffmann warns that male fern can be poisonous if you take too high a dose.
Take this herb only under supervision of an experienced medical professional. Do not take male fern if
you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or anemic, or if you have a liver or intestinal disorder.

Epazote

Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) is a plant native to Mexico and Central and South America. In her
book “The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals,”
Leslie Taylor states that indigenous groups have used epazote to cure intestinal parasites, especially
tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms. Make a tea from the dried leaf and drink it in ½-cup doses. Do
not drink any epazote essential oil product or any tea made from the seeds because the seeds contain
significant amounts of the toxic essential oil.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a traditional treatment for tapeworm. Its bark contains an alkaloid
called pelletierine that has a paralytic effect on the parasite, making it easy to expel. According to
herbalist Henriette Kress, you can prepare the bark as a tea and drink it for several days, until the entire
parasite is expelled. Take a laxative before and during this process to aid in eliminating the tapeworm.
Pomegranate bark may cause vomiting and, in high doses, it will depress the central nervous system.
Consult an herbalist or medical professional before taking pomegranate bark. Do not take this herb if you
are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When most people picture a worm, do they picture a roundworm?

Actually, they do not. Whereas flatworms are flat, roundworms obviously appear round. With over
80,000 species, there are plenty of different types of roundworms. But these are still not the types of
worms most people picture when they think of worms.
Roundworms
Roundworms make up the phylum Nematoda. This is a very diverse animal phyla. It has more than
80,000 known species.

Structure and Function of Roundworms

Roundworms range in length from less than 1 millimeter to over 7 meters (23 feet) in length. As their
name suggests, they have a round body. This is because they have a pseudocoelom. This is one way
they differ from flatworms. Another way is their complete digestive system. It allows them to take in food,
digest food, and eliminate wastes all at the same time.

Roundworms have a tough covering of cuticle on the surface of their body. It prevents their body from
expanding. This allows the buildup of fluid pressure in the pseudocoelom. As a result, roundworms have
a hydrostatic skeleton. This provides a counterforce for the contraction of muscles lining the
pseudocoelom. This allows the worms to move efficiently along solid surfaces.

Roundworm Reproduction
Roundworms reproduce sexually. Sperm and eggs are produced by separate male and female
adults. Fertilization takes place inside the female organism. Females lay huge numbers of eggs,
sometimes as many as 100,000 per day! The eggs hatch into larvae, which develop into adults. Then the
cycle repeats.

Ecology of Roundworms
Roundworms may be free-living or parasitic. Free-living worms are found mainly in freshwater habitats.
Some live in soil. They generally feed on bacteria, fungi, protozoans, or decaying organic matter. By
breaking down organic matter, they play an important role in the carbon cycle.

Parasitic roundworms may have plant, vertebrate, or invertebrate hosts. Several species have human
hosts. For example, hookworms, like the one in Figure below, are human parasites. They infect the
human intestine. They are named for the hooks they use to grab onto the host’s tissues. Hookworm
larvae enter the host through the skin. They migrate to the intestine, where they mature into adults. Adults
lay eggs, which pass out of the host in feces. Then the cycle repeats.

Hookworm Parasite. Hookworms like this one are common human parasites.
Tiny pinworms are the most common roundworm parasites of people in the U.S. In some areas, as many
as one out of three children are infected. Humans become infected when they ingest the nearly
microscopic pinworm eggs. The eggs hatch and develop into adults in the host’s digestive tract. Adults lay
eggs that pass out of the host’s body to continue the cycle. Pinworms have a fairly simple life cycle with
only one host.
Summary

 Roundworms make up the phylum Nematoda.

 Roundworms have a pseudocoelom and hydrostatic skeleton. Their body is covered with tough
cuticle.

 Free-living roundworms are found mainly in freshwater habitats.

 Parasitic roundworms have a variety of hosts, including humans.

Review

1. How do free-living nematodes contribute to the carbon cycle?

2. Apply what you know about pinworms to develop one or more recommendations for preventing
pinworm infections in humans.

3. Platyhelminthes and nematodes are both worms. Justify classifying them in different invertebrate
phyla.