Parasite infestation in the form of worms, which come in numerous different species, is quite common. Worldwide, close to two billion people are said to be affected. The WHO estimates that circa 200,000 people die each year from the parasites. The most widespread worms are the tapeworm, roundworm and pinworm. In some cases, they are not noticed at all or very late.
Sources of infection
Tapeworms live as parasites in the intestines of humans. Each species can cause different symptoms, although only a few species could become a danger to humans. In the picture, the head of a tapeworm. Click to enlarge. Contaminated food and the consumption of raw or undercooked meat are the main sources of infection. However, infection can also occur through various other objects such as animals, doorknobs and toys, or through the air. In these ways, the eggs of the microorganisms enter the human body. They settle in the intestine and feed on the food pulp. After about six to eight weeks, the parasites have developed into sexually mature worms.
Symptoms of worm infestation
Signs of worms in the intestines may include abdominal pain, vomiting, low-grade fever, nausea and watery diarrhea. Because these complaints are equally symptoms of a myriad of illnesses, they do not always immediately arouse doctors’ suspicion of a worm infestation. Among the more obvious signs are:
- Itching on the buttocks, especially in the evening and at night.
- Loss of appetite for unseen reasons.
- Weight loss without dietary changes or the like
Only if worms or their eggs are spotted in the feces is an infestation 100 percent certain. Younger children are most easily infected, especially if they frequently put their fingers in their mouths, for example, when sucking their thumbs.
Detection of worms in the intestine by the doctor
Albendazole is classified as an anthelmintic. These are medications used to treat worm infections. Usually, a medical doctor will request a fecal sample if a worm infestation is suspected. Furthermore, a blood test for an increase in eosinophilic granulocytes may be performed. For example, fox tapeworm is detected in 85 percent of affected people via antibodies in the blood. A simple method of detecting roundworm eggs is to temporarily attach an adhesive strip to the anus. These stick to it and can be detected by the doctor under a microscope.
Different types of worms
Pinworms: Like trichinae and roundworms, they belong to the threadworms. The latter are also widespread in Germany. Pinworms grow up to twelve millimeters long and settle in the small and large intestine and appendix. This type of worm lays its eggs around the anus at night, which triggers the frequent itching in the late evening hours. Often, affected persons scratch themselves and immediately after getting up, objects are touched. In this way, pinworms spread quickly through the family. Initial ingestion usually occurs through contaminated vegetables. Bovine and porcine tapeworm: infection occurs mainly through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, in which the larvae of the worms are ingested. In the intestine they mature into the complete parasite with head, neck part and limbs. Since only the latter are excreted in the stool, this tapeworm species is rarely detected there. This makes diagnosis difficult, as do very slight signs of infestation. The suspicion of a tapeworm infestation is reinforced, for example, if loss of appetite alternates with ravenous hunger and weight loss is noticeable despite regular eating. Dog/Fox Tapeworm: They are among the most dangerous parasites in a person’s body. The eggs can be ingested through contact with infected cats, dogs and foxes. In addition, if unwashed forest fruits contaminated with fox excrement are eaten. The development of the dog or fox tapeworm eggs into larvae takes place in the intestine. From there, they can travel through the blood vessels to organs such as the liver or lungs. The duration of the incubation period ranges from a few weeks to several years. Sucker worms: Although they are found particularly in Africa, South America and Asia, they often reach Europe through vacation travelers.Their larvae develop in freshwater snails found in rivers, lakes and puddles. Via the skin of humans, they reach the liver, where they mature. From there, they migrate to the intestines or even the bladder. Suckworms lay their eggs in these organs. Through urine as well as stool, they find their way into our waters and provide new infections.
When children are affected by pinworms
Pale appearance is by all means not always the sign of true anemia, but often just an indication of another underlying ailment, such as worming or worms. Experts estimate that half of all people are affected by parasites at least once in their lives. Children between the ages of five and ten are particularly frequently affected (see also: Worms in the stool of children). If worms are not diagnosed over a long period of time, other family members often become infected as well. Our youngest children become infected in public sandboxes, through toys or food, among other places. The worm eggs quickly pass through the mouth into the intestine. There, worms with a length of approximately three to twelve millimeters develop in the mucous membranes. In addition to the previously mentioned anal itching, affected children sometimes present with
- Unfocused,
- Unslept,
- Bad-tempered and
- Whiny.
To serious problems occur extremely rarely. Nevertheless, in Germany, a worm infestation is a taboo subject, which is reluctant to talk about. Notifiable is the disease is not. In a household, the eggs can stick to house dust, clothing or bed sheets. They are viable outside the body for about 20 days. Since our youngest children often infect themselves again and again, strict hygiene measures must be observed. This applies to the entire family. Regular hand washing with soap is just as important as cutting fingernails short. In addition, underwear and bed linen should be changed daily.
Which doctor is responsible?
Responsible for suspected worm infestation is the family doctor. In principle, any general practitioner is able to make the diagnosis and indicate the necessary medication, taking into account age, pregnancy or lactation. The majority of medicines require a prescription, and an anthelmintic (worming agent) is usually prescribed. It poisons the parasites and ensures that they are excreted. Generally, the treatment should be repeated over several weeks, because the worm poison does not kill the larvae. Anyone infected by parasites from the tropics should consult a special institute for tropical and infectious diseases in consultation with their family doctor to be on the safe side. Some worm species settle under the skin. In this case, a surgeon or dermatologist can remove the microorganisms. The former is also responsible if, for example, there are dog tapeworm foci in the body that need to be operated out. If parasites have settled in the eye, the ophthalmologist can help.
Home remedies against worms
There are some vegetables and fruits that naturally help to expel the parasites. Especially as an accompaniment to drug treatment, natural remedies are a useful support. Raw garlic, for example, with its sulfur-containing amino acids, helps to expel worms from the intestines. The same applies to grapefruit seed extract, which, however, is not suitable for small children, breastfeeding and expectant mothers. Fresh carrots, which contain a lot of beta-carotene, contribute to killing the eggs. The very unpleasant itching of the anus can be relieved with sitz baths in salt water. Rubbing with petroleum jelly, which is odorless and insoluble in water, also reduces the annoying side effect.
