Roundworms, also known as nematodes, can infect the intestinal tract of a human host. Ranging from 1mm to 1m in length when full grown, roundworms have long round bodies and are found more often in tropical climates than in cooler, temperate areas. Practicing good hygiene and sanitation can prevent many roundworm infections.
Types
There are a few different species of roundworm that can infect humans. Ascariasis is the most common species. According to the Mayo Clinic, Ascariasis infects about 25 percent of people worldwide. Some other species that infect people are hookworm, pinworm, strongyloidiasis, trichinosis, toxocariasis, threadworm and whipworm.
Biology
Roundworm infections begin when the larvae or eggs enter the digestive tract via the mouth or burrow through the skin, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. All of the roundworm species infect the intestinal system except trichinosis, which travels to other areas of the body and creates cysts. Some species of roundworm cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, cough or rash, or are visible in the stool while others cause no symptoms.
Risk Factors
Poor sanitation and hygiene are implicated in many infestations of roundworm. Living in or visiting a warm tropical climate and spending time in crowded places also make it more likely that a person will become infected with roundworms. People with a weakened immune system or who are malnourished are more prone to roundworm infections. Other risk factors include having contact with animal feces or soil and eating undercooked meat. Children younger than 10 contract roundworms more often than teens or adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diagnosis
For doctors to diagnose and treat a roundworm infection, they must identify the species of worm involved, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can be done through a physical exam, an examination of a stool or urine sample, blood tests to look for eggs or larvae or by taking a sample of the partially digested food from the small intestines. For particular species, other tests may be used. A tape test, in which tape is placed on the anal area and then removed and inspected under a microscope for the presence of worms, is used to detect pinworm. X-rays can also be used to look for large worms in the intestines.
Treatment
Medications are available to fight parasitic roundworm infections, but the specific medicine used depends on the specific species of worm. Some common medications used to treat roundworm infestations include medendazole, ivermectin, albdendazole and dieythelcarbamazine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If left untreated, most infections with roundworm will resolve themselves when the worms die off.
