Roundworms are intestinal parasites that are common to various species. In human hosts, the parasites usually live and reproduce in the small intestines. Thes World Health Organization states that intestinal parasitic infections are one of the leading infections globally. Children comprise the majority of the 3.5 billion people who are infected worldwide. Roundworm infections are especially problematic in developing countries where healthcare access is difficult. Roundworms also occur in developed countries, but are less likely to cause serious problems due to public health actions and the availability of treatment.
What are Roundworms?
There are many different species of roundworms that can infect humans. They are categorized as soil-transmitted helminths because a common route of transmission is from the soil--where the larvae are--to the human host. Domestic dogs and cats can get roundworm and transmit it to humans. Children are especially at risk because they sometimes play in areas that are contaminated by animal feces with roundworm. Because roundworm larvae can survive for a long time--months or years--there are many opportunities for infection.
Roundworm Infections
Toxocariasis and ascariasis are the terms used to describe people and animals that are infected with roundworms. Infected animal feces contain many larvae since the parasite produces thousands daily. Animal-to-animal infections are possible, but the parasite does not pass between people. Only after direct contact can the larvae enter a person by ingestion or through the skin.
Symptoms and Effects on Children
Roundworm infections are dangerous because the transmission of larvae into the body is usually accidental and the symptoms may be mild or non-existent. Symptoms appear weeks or months after ingestion and depend on the amount of larvae produced in the body. Children may have apparent effects and experience fever, coughing, nausea, vomiting or sore muscles. In developing countries, the infection may co-exist with malnutrition. In rare cases, the infection can be highly debilitating if the larvae damage body tissues and nerves.
Treatment
A variety of tests are performed to diagnose a roundworm infection, such as physical examination, stool and urine samples, blood tests, x-ray, biopsies and ultrasound. Usual treatment calls for anti-parasitic drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs that kill the roundworms. Mebendazole is recommended for adults and children over one year of age, whereas piperazine is recommended for children between three and eleven months. If complications occur and the eye is infected, treatment may include surgery.
Prevention
Encouraging and teaching children proper hand-washing skills will prevent them from contracting roundworm and other illnesses. Adults and children alike are advised to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating, after engaging in outdoor activities and handling animals or when in areas frequently visited by animals.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Roundworms
- California Department of Public Health: Roundworms (Larva Migrans)
- Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health: Roundworm Infection
- Public Health -- Seattle and King County: Toxocariasis: Infection in Humans with Dog and Cat Roundworms
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Roundworm
