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Worms That Affect Human Beings

Parasitic worms infect humans around the world. Humans contract the parasites by inadvertently ingesting the eggs or larvae through undercooked meat, contaminated hands or unwashed foods. Walking barefoot in unsanitary conditions can also pose a significant risk of contracting certain worm species. Household pets can also transmit worms. Once within the human body, the worms reproduce rapidly and a physician often has a hard time diagnosing the parasite because the symptoms can mimic a variety of other disorders.

  1. Parasites In The United States

    • In undeveloped countries, parasitic worms pose a significant risk to humans because when left untreated the worms can cause death. Despite advanced medical care and treatment within the United States, parasitic worms continue to pose a threat to humans; pinworms, whipworms, roundworms, hookworm and tapeworms all can be found to infect humans in the U.S. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan can resolve the infestation.

    Most Prevalent

    • The pinworm has the distinction of being the most prevalent parasitic worm in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The worms reside only in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from the parasite. The worms live within the large intestine of the host, but the parasite leaves the body through the anus during the night to lays its eggs outside the host's body on the outer genital region. Humans, especially children, may not adequately wash their hands after going to the bathroom and can inadvertently spread the eggs to others when touching foods, drinks or a mouth.

    Hookworms and Tapeworms

    • The hookworm holds the distinction of being the second most common parasitic infection in humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The worms enter the host when the larvae penetrate the host's skin or hair follicle. The larvae matures, feeds and lays eggs in the host's intestinal tract. Humans can contract some hookworm varieties and tapeworms from the family pet. Tapeworm eggs must be consumed by a flea to spread from the family pet to the human. The tapeworm passes to the human when the person accidentally ingests the insect. Some tapeworm varieties reside within fish. A human can contract the parasite by consuming under-cooked fish or sushi.

    Roundworms

    • The pork roundworm infests a human when the person consumes undercooked meat. The larvae of the worm live within cysts in the animal's muscle tissue. The worms are widely found in pigs and wild game meat. Giant roundworms and whipworm roundworms can be found in humans from the accidental ingestion of contaminated fecal matter that contains the parasite's eggs. After ingesting the eggs of the giant roundworm or whipworm, they pass into the intestines where they hatch. Some roundworm species, such as giant roundworms and whipworms, can spread to humans from pets that carry the parasite. Other roundworm species occur in humans and spread through unsanitary conditions.

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