Bugs & Worms in Humans

We live in a symbiotic world. Therefore, we humans have various mites and parasites that reside naturally in and on our bodies. Most are harmless, and some are even beneficial. However, there are a few unwelcome visitors, in the forms of worms and bugs, that like to crash the party. This article points out just a few of these parasitic fifth wheels.

Worms

• In the realm of parasites, various worms are a common threat. While most common in animals like dogs and cats, here are some of the parasitic worms that can be found in the human system:

  - Pinworms (reside in the colon)
  - Roundworms (common worldwide; start in intestines, can work through various organs)
  - Tapeworms (rare in humans; reside in the intestines)
  - Liver flukes (attack the liver; can reside in a host for 30 years)

  Common symptoms associated with worm infestation are vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, weakness and weight loss.

Bugs

• Most parasitic insects do not reside in the host body, but rather visits or resides on the surface where they subsist on the host's blood. Typical human parasitic insects include:

  - Head lice
  - Crab lice
  - Scabies
  - Fleas
  - Ticks
  - Bed bugs

  Common symptoms of contact with parasitic insects include itching, infestation, red bites, rashes and infection.

Protozoa

• Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope. Parasitic protozoa can invade the host body and begin rapid reproduction, making them particularly dangerous. Common infectious protozoa include:

  - Giardia lamblia
  - Entamoeba histolytica
  - Cryptosporidium
  - Toxoplasma gondii

Transmission

• The environment is the usual culprit behind human contact with parasitic insects. For example, ticks might be found on the body after being in the woods. In the case of worms, the culprit is usually food or water that contains the larvae of parasitic worms.

Prevention

• Maintaining a clean environment can be a big help in preventing the accumulation of parasites. It is also essential to make sure any food/drink consumed comes from a reliable, clean and healthy source.