Five Type of Roundworm Infections in a Child and Their Symptoms.
Introduction.
Roundworm Infection is a parasitic illness. This infection happens when contaminated eggs of rounds worms go into the body of a child. A roundworm can live inside the small intestine for two years. It can grow up to 13 inches long.
The Basic cause of Roundworm transmission in the human body is exposed to dust and soil. There are several types of roundworm infections – Ascariasis, Hookworm, Pinworm Infection, Strongyloidiasis, Trichinosis, and Whipworm.
Each type of infection has its cause of transmission and symptoms. Here are a few types of Roundworm infections along with their mode of transmission and symptoms –
1. Ascariasis.
About
Ascaris Lumbricoides is a type of roundworm which causes infection in the human small intestine. That specific infection is defined as Ascariasis. Ascariasis is not common in a dry and cold environment. Most cases of Ascariasis are found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Mode of Transmission
Ascaris Lumbricoides is transferred from hand to mouth and usually found in human feces on the ground. A similar roundworm which is known as Suum is also found in pigs. Many people consume pork and it transmits into the human body.
Symptoms
In some cases of Ascariasis, there are no symptoms. In many cases, certain symptoms prove that a person is infected by Ascariasis.
- Abdominal discomfort, swelling, and pain.
- Nausea
- Unnecessary Vomiting.
- Fever.
- Coughing.
- Wheezing.
- Live worm in stool.
Most complications regarding Ascariasis happen in the gastrointestinal tract. It is possible to avoid Ascariasis. Avoid the consumption of contaminated food. Avoid drinking water from random places.
2. Hookworm.
About
Hookworms are intestinal parasites found in the small intestine of the human body. There are two main species of hookworms – Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. The infection caused by hookworm is known as Helminthiases. Hookworms die when they are exposed to direct sunlight.
Mode of Transmission
The transmission of hookworm occurs through the feces of an infected person. It is also transmitted if anyone walks barefoot on contaminated soil. If a person defecates in a garden, every single person passing by will get affected.
Symptoms
There is no early symptom of hookworm infection. Symptoms seem to arise when larvae penetrate the skin. Here are a few symptoms which ensure that an individual is a carrier of hookworm in the body -
- Itchiness and rashes.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Intestinal cramps.
Avoid walking barefoot on any surface. Avoid contact of skin to the soil. Avoid using human defecate as fertilizer. Build an effective sewage disposal system in locality.
3. Pinworm Infection.
About
Many people feel itchiness in their anal area. Pinworm is the reason for this itchiness and discomfort. It makes sleeping difficult. The scientific term of pinworm infection is Enterobiasis. It is a human parasitic disease. The scientific term of pinworm is Enterobius vermicularis.
Mode of Transmission
These worms are found in the human colon and rectum. When these worms lay eggs, it causes infection. These eggs cling to bed, furniture toys, and clothes. They stay there and survive for up to two weeks. Pinworm infection happens in every part of the world. There is no specific region for this disease.
Symptom
Pinworm infection is dangerous because in the early stage there is no symptom. It takes no time to reach a mild symptom from no symptom. There is only one cause of pinworm in the human body –
- In the case of boys, itchiness in the anus.
- In the case of girls, itchiness in the vagina and anus.
Itchiness becomes extreme and intense after eggs are laid. Pinworms cannot damage human skin but it can do serious damage to other parts of the body. Pinworm moves into vulva and vagina from there they move into the external orifice of the uterus. Pinworms damage the whole urination system and result in painful urination.
4. Strongyloidiasis.
About
Strongyloides Stercorarius is a parasitic roundworm that causes Strongyloidiasis. Strongyloidiasis is common in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climatic regions. It spreads itself rapidly in rural areas because of a lack of sanitation and cleanliness.
Mode of Transmission
Strongyloidiasis enters the human body by contacting contaminated soil. These small parasitic roundworms penetrate human skin and enter the bloodstream. These worms pass through the right side of the heart and enter into the lungs. These worms keep on developing mature worms inside the body.
Symptoms
There are no symptoms of Strongyloidiasis until it gets extreme. Here are a few symptoms of Strongyloidiasis –
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Burning abdomen
- Unnecessary weight loss
There are ways to prevent Strongyloidiasis. Do maintain hygiene by using sanitary facilities. Avoid traveling to tropical and subtropical regions.
5. Trichinosis.
About
A species of roundworm known as Trichinella causes Trichinosis. The scientific term of Trichinosis is Trichinellosis. This parasitic worm is found in carnivorous animals. Pigs are common carriers of Trichinosis.
Mode of Transmission
Trichinosis transmission happens when humans consume raw meat. These parasites enter into the human stomach and flow into the intestine. The female worms release larvae in the bloodstream. These worms live in human muscles and tissues for a longer period.
Symptoms
There are no initial symptoms of Trichinosis. Within a week these parasitic worms create several disturbances in the human body. Here are a few symptoms of Trichinosis –
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fatigue and low energy
- Unnecessary vomit
Trichinosis symptoms after the worms enter in muscles and tissues –
- Ache and pains in muscles
- High fever
- Swelled face
- Eye infections
Trichinosis can be prevented. Cook meat on high flame. It becomes impossible for parasites to stay alive in high meat. Clean hands thoroughly after touching raw meat.
Conclusion.
Roundworms are everywhere in this environment. Most roundworms exist in soil and various animal bodies. Children are always busy playing with their toys. While playing they touch floor and soil with bare hands. They put their hand inside their mouth and roundworms enter their body.
These roundworms then find shelter in the stomach intestine and anus. It can be harmful to kids aging between 2-5. Female roundworms can lay up to 200,000 eggs per day. A child with one of these symptoms should do an immediate diagnosis.
Always keep floors clean. Sanitize toys and clothes. Never expose a child to a dusty environment. Never let a child go to the jungle and forests alone. Jungles and forests are full of human and animal deficits. These are some of the main sources of roundworm infections. A parent must keep their child away from such infections.
