Diseases Caused by Roundworms

Roundworms, also called nematodes, are invertebrate parasites that cause different infections in humans. Roundworms enter the body through the skin and live in the intestine. Diseases caused by roundworms most commonly occur in warm climates.

Ascariasis

• Ascariasis is the most common parasitic infection. Symptoms of ascariasis include breathlessness, stomach pain, nausea, weight loss and fatigue. The ascariasis lumbricoides roundworm causes ascariasis.

Hookworm

• Necator americanus, also called hookworm, is a type of roundworm that most commonly causes hookworm infection. According to the World Heath Organization, about 740 million people suffer from hookworm disease all over the world.

Pinworm

• Enterobius vermicularis (also called pinworm) is a roundworm that causes pinworm infection (enterobiasis). Pinworm infection most commonly occurs in children.

Strongyloidiasis

• Strongyloidiasis is caused by the strongyloides stercoralis roundworm. People with weak immune systems can develop complications such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Whipworm

• Trichuris trichiura causes the whipworm disease (also called trichuriasis). According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, about 800 million people worldwide suffer from whipworm disease.

Other Diseases

• Other roundworm infections include trichinosis, trichiniasis, toxocariasis, threadworm, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis and Guinea worm disease.