Nematodes That Effect Humans

Nematodes, more commonly known as roundworms, appear in great numbers throughout the world. Several species act as parasites to humans, living mainly in the intestinal system. These organisms resemble worms and range in length from 0.04 inches to 3.3 feet long. Some nematode infections go unnoticed because of lack of symptoms, while others can be physically devastating and potentially fatal.

Types

• Several types of nematodes commonly affect humans. The Ascaris lumbricoides causes Ascariasis, while Anclyostoma duodenale causes Hookworm disease. The pinworm, or Enterobius vermicularis, causes an infection known as Enterobiasis. The whipworm, or trichuris trichiura, causes Trichuriasis.

Symptoms

• Because nematodes generally reside in the intestines of humans, abdominal discomfort, nausea, weight loss and diarrhea are common symptoms of the infection. Some nematodes, such as the Ascaris and threadworm, infect the intestinal system and cause blood in the stool, as well as difficulty breathing and cough. Fever, anemia and swelling of the lymph nodes may also show with some types of nematode infection.

Modes of Infection

• Roundworm infection is generally caused by an organism being introduced into the body through the mouth or skin, after direct contact with soil. Because of this, nematode infection most commonly occurs in warm climates, where the organism can reproduce in the soil. Illness from contact with feces from an infected person can cause the illness. It usually occurs in areas with improper sanitation.

Diagnosis

• Physicians use several methods for diagnosing nematode infections. Generally, they perform a physical exam and send a stool sample for examination in a laboratory, looking for the organism or it's eggs. In cases when doctors find no signs of the parasite, they may use a blood test to look for infection in the bloodstream. Ultrasound technology offers an alternative method of diagnosis to detect nematodes in the lymph nodes.

Treatment

• Doctors often can cure Roundworm infection with medications specifically targeted to parasitic infection. They may pair these medications with treatments for secondary ailments caused by the initial infection, such as iron supplements to relieve anemia and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce irritation in the intestines.

Prevention

• Nematode infection is more common in areas with poor sanitation and poor hygiene practices. In areas where sanitation is sufficient, avoiding direct contact of soil by the skin and proper hand-washing techniques following the handling of soil are the most effective means of preventing infection.