Understanding what worms are and their infections
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| Worms in human intestines. Credit: Facebook |
It's essential to be aware that various types of worms can potentially cause issues for humans. Some of the worms that may infect people include: Threadworms Tapeworms Whipworms Hookworms and Strongyloides.
These intestinal worms are classified as parasites, relying on another living organism (the host) to survive and obtain their nourishment.
Other types of worms may not cause any symptoms, for example pork and beef tapeworms or Strongyloides stercoralis.
They only cause symptoms a long time after infection. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, tiredness and weakness, abdominal pain and weight loss. Some worms may cause anaemia.
A person with intestinal worms may not have any symptoms, but threadworms often do cause symptoms.
A person with threadworms (also known as pinworms) may have an itchy bottom or redness and scratch marks around the bottom.
A child with threadworms may be irritable, not able to sleep very well and often lose their appetite.
Threadworms (come out of the anus at night to lay their eggs between the buttocks, causing extreme itching.
They look like small white threads moving about and may be seen with a torch.
The threadworms may also be seen on the surface of the stools if a person has a heavy infestation.
By Dr. Nawwaf Lamin Abass
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