PWInsider - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

5 DISGUSTING TYPES OF WORMS THAT CAN LIVE INSIDE YOU

There are 1.5 billion people worldwide infected with soil-transmitted parasitic worms.

Parasitic worms, also referred to as helminths, are the most common parasite found across the globe.

These types of worms can live inside our body where it derives its nutrients at our expense. Some worms can live inside of us for years with little to no symptoms, while others can cause major health concerns and even death.

Modern medicine and sanitation have allowed us to rid our bodies and much of our environment of these parasites.

Although it's not as common, it can still happen. Read on to find out more.

Types of Worms That Can Live In Humans

There are three main groups of helminths: flatworms, thorny-headed worms, and roundworms.

Here are some of the more common worms. (Don't worry, there are medications and cleansing methods available to fight them.)

1. Pinworm (Threadworm)

Pinworms are a very common intestinal roundworm infection and make their home in the colon and rectum of their human host. They are thin and white and reach lengths of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

These worms are spread by either swallowing or breathing in the eggs. The eggs hatch in the intestines and become fully grown adults within a few weeks.

Female pinworms exit the body through the anus and lay eggs in folds of the skin during the night. Many people have no symptoms but others have experienced extreme itching and restless nights.

If the infected area is scratched, eggs can become trapped underneath the fingernails where they are easily transferred onto other materials where they can survive for two to three weeks.

2. Trichinella

Trichinella worms are a type of roundworm that can make their way into the human body by eating raw or undercooked meat of wild animals infected with its larvae. The larvae will grow in the intestines and when they reach maturity, move to muscles and other tissue.

Symptoms of the trichinosis infection include:

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Chills

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Swelling of the face or eyes

In extreme cases, it may cause breathing or heart problems and even death.

3. Tapeworm

Infection caused by this kind of flatworm happens from drinking contaminated water with eggs or larvae. These worms embed their heads into the intestinal wall and can grow more than 80 feet and survive as long as 30 years in its host.

If larvae migrate out of the intestines, they can form cysts in other tissues and cause organ and tissue damage.

4. Hookworm

Hookworms are roundworms that are transmitted through feces of an infected person in the soil. The deposited eggs hatch to release larvae that mature into a form that can penetrate human skin. Infection can happen from walking barefoot on soil that has been contaminated.

Most people don't have symptoms, but in those that do, it's primarily gastrointestinal issues.

5. Ascaris

Ascaris worms are the most common type of roundworm to infect humans. According to the World Health Organization, severe Ascaris infections cause 60,000 deaths per year, mainly in children.

This is a large worm that infects the small intestine. Similar to hookworm, it's spread through the soil from contaminated feces.

Complications associated with this worm include:

• Intestinal blockage

• Duct blockage to the liver or pancreas

• Nutritional deficiency

Can I Become Infected?

Anyone can pick up one of these types of worms, but they're more commonly found in warmer climates and in areas where there may be a lack of modern hygiene and sanitation.

If you're interested in reading more, don't forget to check our blog!

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!

• Tweet