Roundworms/Nematodes & Human Parasitic Infestations

There are 15,000 known species of roundworms, also known as nematodes, and another half a million roundworms waiting to be discovered and studied. That would make roundworms the second most diverse group of animals. The first would be arthropods. Certain species of roundworms can lay more than 200,000 eggs in one day. Most species of roundworms have separate sexes, but there are a few that have both male and female gonads.

Most parasitic roundworm diseases are transmitted to humans through soil. There can be thousands of roundworms in one handful of soil. The roundworms can be ingested by unwashed hand to mouth or the roundworms can enter through the skin. Some of the most common parasitic roundworms in humans are: Enterobius Vermicularis (Pinworms), Ascaris Lumbricoides (Large Intestinal Roundworms), Trichuris Trichiura (Whipworm), Necator and Ancylostoma (Hookworms), Strongyloides Stercolralis, and Trichinella Spiralis. Other roundworms affecting humans are: Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm), Wuchereria Bancrofti, Brugia Malayi, Brugia Timori, Toxocara Canis, and Toxocara Cati. Wuchereia Bancrofti, B. Malayi, and B. Timori cause Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis). Toxocara Canis (dog roundworms) and Toxocara Cati (cat roundworms) cause a disease called Toxocariasis.

Once the eggs are ingested in the body, the roundworm larvae travels through the liver, lungs, and other organs. In most cases, these "wandering worms" cause no symptoms or apparent damage. It is when the larvae moves into the nerves or lodge themselves in the eye that they can cause permanent damage or even blindness. This condition is called visceral larva migrans.

Roundworms not only affect human health, but also the economy. The root-knot nematode (Meloiodogyne Incognita) attacks cotton and other nematodes can cause ear cockle nematode, (Anguina Titici) which causes diseases in wheat.

Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent an infestation of Roundworms. Children are very susceptible to roundworms since they like to handle pets and play in the dirt. "Dogs and cats infected with these worms contaminate their surroundings by passing eggs or larvae in their feces (waste). Because pets will pass feces anywhere, they may contaminate a large area quickly. These eggs and larvae are resilient and can survive in areas such as parks, playgrounds, and yards. Even inside homes." CDC (Center for Disease Control) A human can ingest the parasitic roundworm eggs by contaminated soil.