If the person doesn't wash properly, the eggs can be introduced into his system, where they hatch and begin to feed. Once roundworms make their way into a host, typically settling in the intestines, they produce a chemical that prevents the host from digesting them.
They then begin to feed off the intestinal fluid, tissue, blood and mucus. People and pets aren't the only ones affected by roundworms -- plants and insects also suffer from infestations. Plant parasitic roundworms live on or inside plants, where they puncture cell walls and feed on the tubers, roots and bulbs. And see your veterinarian for parasite testing and to discuss appropriate products for year round prevention and control of parasites in order to protect your pets and your family.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian — they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Learn more about zoonotic diseases. Cryptosporidium in Dogs, Cats and People. Is Your Cat Sick? Skip to main content.
Posts by:. Mike Paul, DVM. What are they? How does my pet get roundworms? Can my pet give the worms to me? What diseases do roundworms cause in people? In pets, there are many products that are safe and effective in treating roundworm infections. Better yet, how do I prevent roundworm infections? Related symptoms:. Reviewed by:. Whipworm trichuriasis : A whipworm infection happens when a person eats food contaminated with soil that has the eggs of the worm.
After eggs are eaten, larvae hatch and attach themselves to the large intestine. Risk Factors The risk factors for roundworm infection include: Living in or visiting a warm, tropical climate Poor sanitation Poor personal hygiene Crowded conditions, such as day care or institutional settings Weakened immune system Malnutrition Eating undercooked meat Eating dirt or clay, children tend to become infected this way Contact with animal feces Multiple insect bites.
Diagnosis Diagnosing roundworm infection involves finding out which worm is causing the infection. Other steps in diagnosis may include: Physical exam Stool and urine samples: to identify microorganisms in the stool and urine Blood tests: to find infection in the blood Muscle or skin biopsy: to find infections that affect the muscle or skin Ultrasound: reveals worms in lymph nodes X-ray: show large worms in abdominal region Tape test: used particularly for pinworm infections.
A doctor applies sticky tape to the skin around the anus, and then examines the tape under a microscope. Preventive Care It is easier to prevent roundworms than to cure them. The steps to preventing roundworm infection include: Practice good personal hygiene. Wash hands and avoid contact with fecal matter. DO NOT eat uncooked or unwashed fruits and vegetables.
Stay away from mosquito or fly-infested areas. Wear protective clothing and use insect repellant. Cook or freeze meat thoroughly.
Keep children away from pet feces. Ask a veterinarian about deworming pets. Public health measures include improving general sanitation, especially sewage disposal, and reducing mosquito and fly populations. Treatment The main treatment for roundworm infections are medications that kill parasites. Medications Antiparasitic drugs and other medications used to treat roundworm infections and certain complications include: Ascariasis: Medendazole Vermox , ivermectin Stromectol , albdendazole Albenza Hookworm: Medendazole Vermox , albdendazole Albenza Loiasis: Dieythelcarbamazine DEC, Hetrazan , albdendazole Alvenza Lymphatic filiariasis: Ivermectin Stromectol , dieythelcarbamazine DEC, Hetrazan River blindness: Ivermectin Stromectol Threadworm: Ivermectin Stromectol , thiabendazole Mintezol , albdendazole Albenza Trichinosis: Albdendazole Albenza , medendazole Vermox Whipworm: Medendazole Vermox , albdendazole Albenza Other medications: Prednisone : for severe VLM and sometimes in cases of trichinosis Oral iron : if the person is anemic Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and antibiotics : for relief of symptoms or to treat bacterial infection See "Warnings and Precautions" for certain medications that someone with roundworm infection should avoid.
Surgery and Other Procedures Guinea worms should be removed surgically, but surgery is not available in many areas where there are a lot of infections. Treatment to reduce swelling from lymphatic filariasis may include: Bandaging Physical therapy Careful skin care Draining fluids Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Many people who are infected with roundworms are malnourished, so getting enough nutrients for overall health may help prevent and treat roundworm infection.
These tips for overall good health may lower chances of getting infected: Eat bitter and spicy foods, such as those containing turmeric curries , cayenne peppers, green chilies, olives, figs, garlic, and ginger. Drink warm teas that contain spices such as cardamom, clove, and cinnamon. Eat more dark leafy greens spinach and kale and sea vegetables.
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes and vegetables squash and bell peppers. Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and especially sugar. Eat fewer meats, and more cold-water fish, tofu soy, if no allergy or beans for protein. Make sure meat is thoroughly cooked. Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week. Take a multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Herbs Herbs can help strengthen and tone the body's systems. Although there are no scientific studies that show any herbs help treat roundworm infections, the following herbs may help overall health: Turmeric Curcuma longa standardized extract: mg, 3 times a day, appears to kill parasites in test tube and animal studies.
Researchers do not know if it works in people. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding. Ask your doctor before taking it if you also take blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin Coumadin.
Garlic Allium sativum standardized extract: mg, 2 to 3 times daily, kills parasites in test tubes and animals, but there is no evidence yet whether it works in humans. Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding. Ask your doctor before taking it if you also take blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin Coumadin , or if you have an ulcer. Wormwood Artemisia absinthium , black walnut Juglans nigra , and clove Syzygium aromaticum : are often used in combination herbal formulas for parasitic infections.
Take as directed by your provider. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking wormwood. Avoid taking these herbs if you have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or porphyria.
Pregnant women should not take wormwood. Wormwood may interact with some antiseizure medications. People who are allergic to ragweed may also have a reaction to wormwood. Other Considerations Pregnancy Most antiparasitic drugs used to treat roundworm infection should not be used during pregnancy. Warnings and Precautions Ivermectin, a medication sometimes used to treat roundworm infections, should not be given to: Nursing mothers The severely ill Children under 5 years old, or those weighing less than 15 kg 6.
They include: Intestinal obstruction, caused by the roundworm itself Inflammation of the intestines or gall bladder Kidney disease Pus accumulation in the liver Inflammation of the pancreas Appendicitis Peritonitis, inflammation of the sac surrounding the abdomen Encephalopathy, a brain disorder Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle Malnutrition Abnormal growth of the skin and surrounding soft tissue Blindness from onchocerciasis Some roundworm infections can last a long time, and there are many possible complications.
Nicoletti A. Handb Clin Neurol. Pittella JE.
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