Verminare all diseases triggered by nematodes and flatworms, organisms traditionally called worms. These diseases affect the entire population, regardless of gender, age, skin color or social class. However, they occur more frequently in areas with deficient basic sanitation and in people with poor hygiene habits.
Worms are normally transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water and also through unprotected contact with soil that harbors parasites.
Examples of worms caused by nematodes
The etiological agent of ascariasis is the Ascaris lumbricoides, also known as roundworm. It is acquired through the ingestion of the parasite's eggs that may be present in water or food, for example.
As symptoms of ascariasis, we can mention diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction when several worms are found. As the larva has a pulmonary cycle, pulmonary problems such as pneumonitis may appear. It is worth noting that ascariasis is normally an asymptomatic disease.
Hookworm, also called
yellowing and Jeca Tatu disease, has as etiological agent the nematodes of the family Ancylostomidae. These worms are acquired through the penetration of larvae into the skin when we come into contact with contaminated soil.Symptoms depend on the amount of parasites in the body and is usually asymptomatic in mild infections. In large infections, hookworm can trigger anemia. When it affects children, problems in physical and mental development can occur.
Examples of worms caused by flatworms
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni. This parasite is acquired when man comes into contact with water infested with cercariae, which is the larval form of this flatworm.
Verminosis can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dry cough, abdominal pain and headache. In the most severe forms of the disease, complications such as liver failure, digestive hemorrhage, central nervous system involvement and glomerulonephritis can occur.
Taeniasis can be caused by Taenia solium, present in pork, and the Taenia Saginata, found in beef. Transmission occurs by ingesting meat that contains flatworm larvae. When eggs are ingested, a disease called cysticercosis.
The presence of tapeworm in the intestine can trigger abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, diarrhea or constipation. In some cases, taeniasis can lead to complications, such as obstruction of the appendix and the pancreatic duct.
Measures to prevent worms
The worms can be easily prevented with simple hygiene habits and with the expansion of the basic sanitation, responsible for properly treating sewage and bringing clean water to the entire society. Among the measures that can be taken individually, we can mention:
- Wash your hands well before eating, when handling food and after going to the bathroom;
- Wash food well, especially those that will be eaten fresh;
- Never consume unfiltered or boiled water;
- Avoid walking barefoot;
- Do not bathe in rivers and lakes that may be contaminated by sewage.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/verminoses.htm