Intestinal Worms: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

What are intestinal worms?

Intestinal worms are parasites that inhabit the human intestine, where they feed and reproduce. They vary in size, ranging from microscopic to several centimeters long. These parasites are responsible for diseases such as ascariasis (commonly known as roundworm) and taeniasis (known as tapeworm). Transmission mainly occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, as well as direct contact with infected feces.

Symptoms

Symptoms of intestinal worms depend on the severity of the infection and the type of worm present in the body. Hookworm, caused by Necator americanus, for example, leads to anemia, while tapeworms can cause loss of appetite. Some individuals may show no symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. However, common symptoms, which may appear alone or in combination, include:

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea

Nausea

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Anemia

Fatigue

More severe symptoms may include intestinal obstruction, which occurs when worms block the intestine and prevent food from passing. In specific cases of some parasitic infections, respiratory problems (such as shortness of breath) and neurological symptoms in cases of cysticercosis (such as fainting or loss of strength in arms or legs) may occur.

ascariasis (roundworms): Caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. A common intestinal infection transmitted by ingesting worm eggs, usually through contaminated food or water.
taeniasis (tapeworms): Caused by Taenia solium or Taenia saginata. Infection occurs from eating undercooked meat from infected animals. In the body, the worms attach to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients.
cysticercosis: Caused by ingesting eggs of Taenia solium or Taenia saginata, found in the feces of individuals with taeniasis and capable of contaminating water or food. Symptoms vary depending on where the cysticerci lodge, such as the central nervous system, eyes, or muscles.
enterobiasis (pinworms): Caused by Enterobius vermicularis. Transmission occurs through ingestion of worm eggs, often via contaminated hands or surfaces. In children, reinfection is common due to hand-to-mouth contact after scratching the anal area.
giardiasis (giardia): Caused by ingesting cysts of the protozoan Giardia lamblia, usually through contaminated water or food, such as river, pool, or lake water.
amoebiasis (amoeba): Transmitted through contaminated water and food with feces containing amoeba cysts. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with contaminated hands or objects, or oral-anal contact. This parasite can lodge in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, skin, and rarely, the brain.
hookworm infection (hookworms): Caused by Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. These worms penetrate the skin and migrate to the intestine. The infection, known as hookworm disease, usually occurs when walking barefoot on contaminated soil.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of intestinal worms is primarily done through stool tests, which detect eggs, cysts, or the parasites themselves. In some cases, blood tests and imaging exams such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are necessary to identify complications or infections outside the intestine.

Treatment

Treatment for intestinal worms may involve antiparasitic medications specific to each type of worm. It is important to follow medical prescriptions, and various specialties may be consulted, including general medicine, pediatrics, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, or proctology. Treatment is usually extended to all family members to prevent reinfection. In cases of anemia, iron supplementation may be required.