Humans acquire nematode infections by consuming their parasitic eggs through contaminated water or food. Here, let’s learn about a few such nematode infections in humans.
Table of Contents
Ascariasis
The intestinal parasite Ascaris, often known as a roundworm, is what causes the disease ascariasis. The roundworm is a human intestinal parasite that is long, thin and pale white. Roundworm eggs can be found in the faeces of a person who has contracted it. In general, flies are thought to be the human roundworm’s primary vector. Although roundworms often cause no symptoms, depending on how many are present in a person, symptoms may develop. Fever, starvation, abdominal oedema, shortness of breath and diarrhoea are some symptoms.
Ascariasis illness primarily affects children.
Filariasis
A parasitic condition known as filariasis is brought on by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea species (Wuchereria bacrofti). Blood-feeding insects like mosquitoes and black flies disseminate these. Microfilariae are deposited on the skin near the puncture site rather than being directly injected into the blood when an infected mosquito bites a human. Later, the microfilariae either enter through the puncture site or break through the skin on their own after being drawn to the warmth of the skin. Microfilariae enter the lymphatic channels after entering the skin, where they settle down (in the scrotal, inguinal or abdominal lymphatics) and start to develop into adult forms. Elephantiasis, which consists of oedema with thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, is the most striking symptom of lymphatic filariasis. Elephantiasis develops when parasites become established in the lymphatic system.
Also Check:Nematoda
Enterobiasis
The scientific name for pinworms, threadworms and seatworms that belong to the family Oxyuridae and the order Ascaridida is Enterobius vermicularis. They are parasites that are frequently detected in children’s intestines and are sometimes referred to as human pinworms. They can be found in some animals besides humans. Pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis, is a common and contagious parasite infestation that primarily affects youngsters. Swallowing or inhaling the pinworm’s microscopic eggs allows the illness to spread. Except for the primary symptom, which is extreme rectal itching, enterobiasis rarely results in any serious physical issues.
Trichinosis
Trichinosis is a food-borne illness caused by a small parasite called Trichinella. People can get this disease by eating meat from sick animals that are raw or undercooked. The vast majority of trichinosis infections have neither consequences nor even mild symptoms. Enteral (affecting the intestines) and parenteral are the two main stages of the illness (outside the intestines). The symptoms differ based on the phase, Trichinella species, the number of swallowed encysted larvae, sex, age and host immunity.
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