Roundworms are a type of parasite that ranges in size from microscopic to a meter in length and can cause a variety of symptoms in humans depending on the infection site. Roundworms and their eggs can gain access to the body through the skin or the mouth. Some roundworms live in animals, and humans become infected when eating poorly cooked meat or come in contact with animal feces. Infection is very common around the world, especially in warm tropical climates.
Ascariasis
Ascariasis is one of the most widespread roundworm infections in the world and is common in tropical climates. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, ascariasis affects an estimated 1.4 billion people worldwide and is very common in children ages 3 to 8. The World Health Organization estimates that 60,000 people die from ascariasis infection each year. Infection is transmitted by poor hygiene, and the worm enters the human intestinal tract, travels through the bloodstream to the lungs and back to the intestines, where they mature and mate. There are common anti-parasitic medications that easily treat this infection.
Pinworm
According to Mayo Clinic, pinworm is the most common parasitic infection in the United States. It most commonly affects school-age children. The worm lays thousands of eggs in the folds of the skin around the anus while the individual sleeps. Infection is spread, usually from child to child, when good hygiene is not practiced. Many people with pinworms have no symptoms, but itchiness and insomnia are common. Anti-parasitic medication is usually prescribed for the entire family to treat infection and prevent its spread.
Hookworm
Hookworm is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide and was once a serious problem in the southern United States, but is largely controlled in this country now. Hookworm can be caught by walking barefoot through contaminated soil, and the worm can actually penetrate the skin, enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, in much the same manner that ascariasis does. An itchy rash at the site of penetration, diarrhea, trouble breathing and coughing, abdominal pain and weight loss are all potential symptoms of a hookworm infection. Your doctor may treat you for anemia if your infection is severe enough.
Trichinosis
Trichinosis is another parasitic roundworm infection and is often caused by humans ingesting undercooked pork, such as sausage. Government intervention and regulation have reduced the spread of trichinosis greatly in the United States. In addition to abdominal pain and diarrhea, trichinosis infection can cause muscle aches and pain, fever, eye infection and rashes, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
