Types of Intestinal Worms

Humans can get intestinal parasites from contaminated food and water. There are two major types of parasites: protozoa and helminths. While helminths cannot multiply in the intestines, protozoa can. While the different types of parasites share similar symptoms, there are important differences in identifying and treating them.

Giardia

• Giardia is a protozoa found in contaminated water. Giardia is the most common protozoa, and they live in the small intestine. Symptoms of giardia infection include cramps, gas, bloating and chills.

Roundworms

• Roundworms look a lot like earthworms and are the most common helminth infection, growing up to 15 inches long. They can cause blockage in the intestinal wall. If not treated, they can cause serious damage to not only the intestines, but the liver and other organs as well.

Hookworms

• Hookworms can get into your body when their larvae penetrate the skin. They have teeth that they use to burrow into the intestines. Common symptoms include iron deficiency and abdominal pain. If not treated, hookworm infections can be fatal.

Pinworms

• About 500 million people in the world are infected with pinworms. Main symptoms include itching of the anus or vagina, nervousness and digestive issues. The adult pinworm crawls out of the anus and lays 15,000 eggs each day.

Whipworms

• Whipworms can grow to 1 to 2 inches in length, and infect several hundred million people worldwide. Common symptoms are blood in the stool, weight loss and vomiting.