According to the Cleveland Clinic, human roundworms are a common parasitic infection found all over the world. A lack of sanitation or personal hygiene is the source of most infection. Most mature roundworms live in the intestines where they cause health problems for their host. Several types of roundworms exist, each having specific symptoms.
Intestinal Roundworm
The Cleveland Clinic states that the intestinal roundworm looks like a common earthworm. Its scientific name is Ascaris lumbricoides. It is contracted by ingesting their eggs, which usually occurs from eating unwashed food from contaminated soil, or by touching the mouth with unwashed hands. The symptoms of intestinal roundworm infection are vague and include occasional abdominal pain. If there is a heavy infestation that blocks the intestine, the person experiences vomiting, severe abdominal pain and restless sleep.
Pinworm
The Cleveland Clinic goes on to say that pinworms are the most common roundworm parasite. They look like threads and live in the colon with periodic trips to the anus. Its scientific name is Enterobius vermicularis. Pinworms are contracted by ingesting their eggs, which spread through human contact. The main symptom of pinworm infection is itching around the anus or vagina. The itching can be so strong that it awakens the person from sleep.
Whipworm
The whipworm is shaped like a whip. It is large at the back end and narrow at the front end. It lives in the large intestine. The University of Maryland Medical School states its scientific name is Trichuris trichiura. Humans contract whipworm by eating food that is contaminated with soil containing their eggs. The symptoms of infection with whipworm include cough, nausea, blood in the stool, weight loss and the presence of a worm in the vomit or stool.
Hookworm
The hookworm has mouth parts with hooks that attach to the human intestine. According to the University of Maryland Medical School the adult hookworm lives in the large intestine where it sucks the blood of its host. Its scientific name is Necator americanus. It is contracted from contact with soil containing their larvae. The symptoms are vague or non-existent. If there is heavy infestation, the blood loss may show up as iron deficiency anemia.
Trichinella Spiralis
The University of Maryland Medical School states that Trichinella spiralis is a roundworm that bores through the intestine and moves through the body to an organ or muscle. It is contracted by ingesting the cysts of the parasite found in undercooked meat. The early symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea. The later symptoms include muscle pain.
Threadworm
The Encyclopedia Britannica states that the threadworm is a roundworm that moves from the lungs to the intestines. Its scientific name is Strongyloides stercoralis. It is contracted through contact with soil containing the larvae. There are usually no symptoms, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, occasionally symptoms may include abdominal pain, cough, or rash.
