Human Roundworm Infection

Roundworms are long-bodied parasites that can live in the intestines of humans. Different types of roundworms, including hookworms, threadworms and trichinella, can cause infections in humans.

Risk Factors

• According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, those who are most at risk for developing a roundworm infection live in areas without a clean drinking water supply or in crowded living conditions.

Spread

• Roundworms often enter people's bodies after they touch infected soil and then put their hands to their mouths, but some can infect people through their skin.

Symptoms

• Roundworm infections can cause abdominal pain, an itchy rash, nausea, diarrhea, breathing problems, bloody stools, wheezing, swollen lymph nodes, skin sores, blurry vision and/or a high fever.

Diagnosis

• Doctors usually take a sample of patients' stool and send it to a laboratory to be examined for parasites, according to Net Industries LLC. An X-ray can be used to detect the presence of worms in the abdominal area, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Treatment

• Anti-parasitic drugs, such as Vermox, Albenza, Hetrazan and Stromectol, are often given to patients with roundworm infections. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe other drugs, such as analgesics, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications, to relieve symptoms of roundworm infections.

Prevention/Solution

• The University of Maryland Medical Center states that to prevent roundworm infections, people should eat high-nutrient foods, green leafy vegetables and foods rich in antioxidants. The medical center also states that drinking teas, especially ones containing green tea, and clean water can help prevent roundworm infections.