What are Roundworms?

Roundworms otherwise known as nematodes are a species of parasite most commonly found in children than
in adults. They also thrive on animal bodies and in all the living entities they choose to occupy the
gastrointestinal tracts. Very rarely roundworms may also be found in lungs. These may either be visible to the
naked eye or may not be due to its microscopic structure.

They find their way into the body through the mouth or the skin on hands or legs. They are majorly found in
soil and thus children who play in the dirt are more prone to coming in contact with these long or short, round-
bodied worms. During their stay in the intestines they often cause various health problems and some unwanted
symptoms. These worms are present throughout the world in various forms. Let us have a look at the different
kinds of roundworms-

Categories of RoundWorms :
The roundworms are classified broadly in four major categories as follows:
 Anisakiasis:
These roundworms known as anisakid roundworms do not infect humans directly but infect whales,
seals and dolphins. Crabs feast on the feces of these animals and hence the anisakids are transferred via
the food chain to humans. They occupy the gastrointestinal tracts in the human system and cause severe
stomach pain. The infection may go away when the larvae dies but sometimes it develops into chronic
long term infection.
 Ascariasis:
These are the most commonly found group of roundworms in the whole world and they pass into the
human body through soil that is stuck to vegetables and also through unclean hands filled with dirt. The
longest of these worms measures up to 14 inches. It has a tendency to travel through the intestinal wall
up to the lungs. It thus causes chest pain, breathing difficulties, coughing and lung inflammation. It also
causes symptoms related to intestinal infections.
 Toxocariasis:
The larva of these worms are hatched in the intestines and eventually spreads to other organs of the
body. They infect dogs and cats but there are incidences of its presence in children. Symptoms of the
infection by these worms are fever, coughing, wheezing, swelling of the liver, skin rashes and lung
inflammations.
 Trichuriasis:
The body is slender and long and has a whip-like end to it. Whipworms fall under this category. They
are found mostly in warm and humid climates. In severe infection cases abdominal cramps that
resemble amoebic dysentery is commonly seen occurring. If left untreated it may lead to anemia and
developmental retardation in children.
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Common Types of RoundWorms in human :
Following are the different types of roundworms found commonly affecting the human population:
 Pinworm:
These are small thread-like worms found commonly in the rectum and colon. It causes a crawling
sensation in the body. This in turn results in scratching of that particular area thus giving rise to scar
formation. These are rarely known to cause serious problems and they might not even need treatment.
 Hookworm:
Found in the intestines the hookworms are a type of this nematode which is known to cause mild
diarrhea or cramps. A major infection of hookworms in newborns, children, pregnant women and
malnourished people may cause severe health effects. They are spread due to poor sanitation especially
via feces. At the site of infection a pimply rash is seen and it also causes itching sensation at the foot
region.
 Whipworm:
These are commonly found around the world. The eggs of these worms adhere to the hands and mouth
due to its sticky nature. They are long and thin and hence they derive their name. They cause stomach
pain, diarrhea and blood stains on stools.
 Ascaris lumbricoides:
Another commonly found type of roundworms that pass on to the body via the mouth and the hands are
known to cause infections that may lead to restlessness, fever, diarrhea.
 Strongyloidiasis:
This infection occurs in crowded and unhygienic environments and involves infection of the intestines.
It causes epigastric pain and tenderness, coughing, wheezing, nausea, diarrhea and the symptoms keep
developing in severity depending on the severity of the infection.
 Trichinosis:
Infection due to this roundworm initiates by the consumption of raw or undercooked pork. Symptoms
include cysts in various muscles of the body, gastrointestinal disorders and stomach pain.
There are also some common roundworms found in animals like cats, dogs and mice which are
toxascaris leonina, toxocara cati and toxocaris canis.

 Types
 The pinworm is the most common roundworm in the United States. It is small and
threadlike and infests many more children than adults.
 The ascaris roundworm thrives in the intestinal tract of mammals and can range in length
from six to thirteen inches. Toxocara, a type of ascarid, typically infects domestic animals
such as dogs and cats, and can be spread to humans.
 Hookworms, whipworms and strongyloides are found primarily in tropical and
subtropical countries. They thrive in moist soil or human feces.
 Roundworms that cause trichinosis are found mainly in the digestive tracts of pigs that
consume garbage.
 Transmission
 Pinworm eggs are found in the human colon and rectum. They are transmitted when an
infected host scratches the area and touches other people, food, or objects.
 The ascaris roundworm is transmitted mainly through feces and is thus prevalent in areas
with poor sanitation. Humans become infected from touching infected dog or cat feces
and then touching food or their mouths.
 Hookworms, whipworms and strongyloides travel from feces to moist soil. When a
human walks over contaminated soil barefoot, the worms attach to the feet and penetrate
the skin, making their way to the digestive tract.
  Humans become infected with trichinosis after eating undercooked contaminated pork
products. The parasite thrives in the muscle fibers of the intestines.
 Effects
 The effects of a roundworm infection are not usually life threatening. People with a
pinworm infection may not experience symptoms, while others will encounter mild to
intense anal and/or vaginal itching.
 Symptoms of an ascariasis infection range from mild abdominal pain to sharp abdominal
pain, restlessness and vomiting. The severity of symptoms depends on the number of
worms in the intestinal tract.
 The hookworm, whipworm and strongyloides can cause an itchy, allergic reaction at the
entry site. When the hookworm larvae migrate to the intestine, symptoms of diarrhea,
abdominal pain, colic, nausea and cramps are common. Many people do not experience
any symptoms from a whipworm. However, severe infections may cause bloody stools,
weight loss, stomach pain and diarrhea. A mild strongyloides infection usually does not
have symptoms. Moderate infections can cause vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
 A mild trichinosis infection usually produces no symptoms or light stomachaches and
joint and/or muscle pain. Severe infections can cause muscular rheumatism and
symptoms that mirror food poisoning.
 Warning
 Patients who are pregnant or immunocompromised should take extra precaution after
becoming infected by a roundworm. The infection can become chronic and might not
clear on its own. A chronic case is likely to cause anemia and weight loss. A chronic
strongyloides infection can also cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is
similar to pneumonia.
 Prevention/Solution
 Roundworms can be easily prevented with proper hygiene. Children should be taught to
always wash their hands after using the bathroom, or sharing toys with other children.
Animals with roundworm infections should be treated, and their feces should be avoided
or disposed of properly. A trichinosis infection can be prevented by avoiding
undercooked pork products. People handling raw pork products should always wash their
hands after exposure. To avoid whipworm, hookworm and strongyloides, proper shoes
should be worn over moist ground.

ECOLOGY

Abstract
Nematodes, with a simple, tubular body form are the most abundant multicellular animals on
earth. Wherever there is active animal life there are nematodes, often with up to 200 species and
several million plant and soil nematodes per square metre. Although not active without free
water, typically nematode populations are regulated by predators and microbial parasites, and
their diverse biological interactions place them in many food webs. Nematode activity may affect
plant community composition and succession. Their abundance, diversity and effects on soil
processes make indices of nematode assemblage useful indicators of ecosystem condition.
 Although some parasites cause disease, most nematodes are beneficial, keeping earth's nutrients
cycling or enhancing the diversity of natural ecosystems.

Key Concepts:
 Nematodes are abundant, widespread and diverse.

 Nematodes require free water and food resources to be active but narrow soil pores may
prevent them using some resources.

 Nematodes excrete the excess nitrogen from their food in plant‐available form.

 Plant and soil nematodes use a wide range of food resources; other nematodes may be parasites
of invertebrates and vertebrates.

 Nematode populations may be regulated by predators and microbial parasites.

 The diverse biological interactions of nematodes place them in many food webs.

 Nematode feeding affects their microbial and plant food resources and may result in trophic
cascades.

 Nematode activity may affect plant community composition and succession.

 Because of their abundance, diversity and effects on soil process indices of nematode
assemblages are often useful indicators of ecosystem condition.

 roundworm adaptations
 Roundworms have a round body because they have a partial fluid-filled body
cavity (pseudocoelom). This is one way that roundworms differ from flatworms.
Another way is their complete digestive system. It allows them to eat, 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 their partial body cavity. The fluid pressure
adds stiffness to the body. This provides a counterforce for the contraction of
muscles, allowing roundworms to move easily over 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 life cycle
repeats.

 roundworms
 Roundworms are invertebrates in Phylum Nematoda. This is a very diverse
phylum. It has more than 80,000 known species. Roundworms range in length
from less than 1 millimeter to over 7 meters in length. You can see an example of
a roundworm in Figure 12.13.




 how roundworms make a living

 Roundworms may be free-living or parasitic organisms. Free-living worms are
found mainly in freshwater habitats. Some live in moist soil. They generally feed
on bacteria, fungi, protozoa, or decaying organic matter. By breaking down
organic matter, they play an important role in the carbon cycle. Parasitic
roundworms may have plant, invertebrate, or vertebrate hosts. Several
roundworm species infect humans. Besides ascaris, they include hookworms.
Hookworms are named for the hooks they use to grab onto the hosts intestines.
You can see the hooks in Figure 12.14. Hookworm larvae enter the host through
the skin. They migrate to the intestine, where they mature into adults. Female
adults lay large quantities of eggs. Eggs pass out of the host in feces. Eggs hatch
into larvae in the feces or soil. Then the cycle repeats. You can learn more about
parasitic roundworms in humans by watching this short video: . MEDIA Click
image to the left or use the URL below. URL:

 instructional diagrams


 This diagram shows the earthworm anatomy. The segmented body parts provide
important structural functions. Segmentation can help the earthworm move. Each
segment or section has muscles and bristles called setae. The bristles or setae
help anchor and control the worm when moving through soil. The bristles hold a
section of the worm firmly into the ground while the other part of the body
protrudes forward. The earthworm uses segments to either contract or relax
independently to cause the body to lengthen in one area or contract in other
areas. Segmentation helps the worm to be flexible and strong in its movement. If
each segment moved together without being independent, the earthworm would
be stationary.
 


Very often, these symptoms are treated with anti-depressant pharmaceuticals and go unresolved.
Diagnosis can even go so far as schizophrenia. 3
 Additionally, these symptoms are usually paired with digestive issues.
The gut is full of both neurons and neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin. It makes up what is
known as the enteric nervous system. As we mentioned above, the gut and the brain have a direct
relationship, commonly called the gut-brain axis.

 This relationship means that distress in the gastrointestinal tract can show up in the nervous
system.
 When there is inflammation in the gut, this can lead to inflammation in the brain.
 Likewise, inflammation in the brain has also been linked to directly cause inflammation in the
gut.
 Inflammation of the brain will cause mental distress, like depression, anxiety, and cognitive
disorders.

If something about your health feels “off,” it could be a dormant virus. Our Antiviral
Protocol can help get you back on track.

3. Autoimmune disorders.

Many times, autoimmune conditions have a relationship to one another. The autoimmune flare-ups
that have been documented to be specifically related to parasitic infection are gut and joint related,
such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reactive arthritis. 4,5

 Parasites infecting the gut can ignite an inflammatory cascade within the body.

FINDING THE ROOT CAUSE OF A DISORDER

Keep in mind that the strength of a person’s immune system and endocrine system largely determines
how severely a parasitic infection will affect that individual.

This depends on:

 How the parasite lives off its host.
 The toxins or waste products it eliminates.
 How a parasite activates the immune system.
 If an individual’s immune system is weak or fatigued.

Chronic disease can be troublesome to treat, mainly because it is necessary to find the initial cause of
the dysfunction.

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transformation.
Consider help from the Body Ecology Parasite Cleanse if you eat a perfect diet,
practice stress management, and still struggle with:
 Digestive disorders
 Mental distress
 Autoimmune disease

Many times, it's a lack of a strong inner ecosystem, and a lack of good bacteria inside of us, that have
much to do with a large amount of us who are infected with parasites today. Some amount of
parasites living in the body is considered normal. But most of us have far too many. An untreated
parasitic infection can have a huge impact on health, mood, and behavior.

What To Remember Most About This Article:

In many cases, a parasite infection will go completely undiagnosed. Yet parasite infections are more
common than many people realize. The strength of your immune system will determine whether or
not you are vulnerable to a parasite infection.

Here are three red flags that indicate you may be carrying a parasite unknowingly:

1. Chronic digestive issues, even when eating a highly alkaline diet rich in good bacteria.
2. Mental distress like anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and behavioral changes.
3. Autoimmune disorders like reactive arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

If you eat a perfect diet, practice stress management, and still struggle with the issues above, a
parasite could be to blame. Please consider help from the Body Ecology Parasite Cleanse.
REFERENCES:

1. Furness BW, Beach MJ, Roberts JM. Giardiasis surveillance—United States, 1992–1997. MMWR CDC
Surveill Summ. 2000;49(7):1–13.
2. Goldmann DA, Wilson CM. Pinworm infestations. In: Hoekelman RA. Primary Pediatric Care. 3d ed. St. Louis:
Mosby, 1997:1519.6
3. M. Novotna, J. Hanusova, J. Klose, M. Preiss, J. Havlicek, K. Roubalova, and J. Flegr. “Probable
neuroimmunological link between Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus infections and personality changes in the
human host.” BMC Infect Dis. 2005 Jul 6;5:54.
4. K. Hanevik, V. Dizdar, N. Langeland, and T. Hausken. “Development of functional gastrointestinal disorders
after Giardia lamblia infection.” BMC Gastroenterol. 2009 Apr 21;9:27.
5. Chelsea E. Matisz, Jason J. McDougall, Keith A. Sharkey, and Derek M. McKay, “Helminth Parasites and the
Modulation of Joint Inflammation,” Journal of Parasitology Research, vol. 2011, Article ID 942616, 8 pages,
2011. doi:10.1155/2011/942616