What are some common parasitic worms?
Roundworm Roundworm is the most common of all helminth infections. An estimated 4 million people in the U.S., mainly in the southeast, and 1 billion people worldwide are infected with roundworm. Roundworm infection is called ascariasis, and it infects the intestines; however, the larvae can reach the lungs and migrate up the respiratory tract. A mature intestinal roundworm looks like a pale-green earthworm and can reach up to 12 inches in length. Those infected with roundworm may have no symptoms, although patients may also suffer from inflammation, nutritional deficiency, fever, and diarrhea. Hookworm Hookworm is the second most common of all helminth infections. While the number infected in the U.S. is low, about one quarter of the world’s population is believed to be infected with hookworm. Hookworms are generally smaller than roundworms, but can cause serious anemia (iron deficiency) by sucking blood from the host’s intestinal wall. If you really need a visual, picture those open-m
