Worms are parasitic organisms which require a host to survive.

Worms can infect both humans and animals and in many cases can also spread from one to the other. They feed from their host tissues and blood. Worm infection can lead to a lot of serious illness and disease. A lot of people around the world are infected with one kind of intestinal worm infection. The sad part is that many ignore it or underplay its significance. The good news however is that worm infection can often be treated successfully.

There are a vast number of worms that can live within the human body. The worms live in the digestive tract, especially in the intestines from where they obtain their nutrition. Worm infestations are present in people of all ages but they are much more of a problem in children who are just beginning to learn to cope with their parasitic enemies. It is estimated that over 200 million people are infected by intestinal parasites every year.

However, with some elementary information and knowledge, a person can quite effectively face the problems of worm infestations. Worms eat up all the nutrients that a person especially a child is supplied with. The victim remains malnourished and the worms become healthy! These parasites use your body as a host to stay alive and reproduce, maturing from eggs to adult worms inside your body. They require immediate attention and are to be treated as early as possible.

Definition of intestinal worms
Intestinal worms, quite simply put, are worms that live within the intestines of humans. These are parasitic worms which feed on the food that passes through the human digestive tract. All these worms spend their entire lifetime in the intestine of humans. They breed within the intestines and hence increase their population. The worms have hook-like attachments on their heads by which they attach on to the inner lining of the intestines.

There are four main worms that infect people: flatworms, pinworms, roundworms and whipworms. Though worms are generally found in the intestines, they can also be found within the stomach and the rectum. They are present in the intestines of all human beings. However, when the population of these worms increases beyond a particular limit, then there are several digestive problems that may occur.

Symptoms and complications of intestinal worms in humans
Since worms are normally found in all human beings, mostly there are no symptoms observed with a few worms living inside the intestines. In adults, there are no symptoms observed till the infection reaches a drastic limit.

Most of the symptoms are observed in children. Intestinal worms can cause severe complications in the people they infect and may even lead to the death of the person. The common symptoms of intestinal worms in humans observed are:

(1) Mild tickling sensation and itching is developed near the anal opening and the adjourning skin;
(2) Large numbers can be serious causing anaemia and asthma. Some can lodge themselves in the brain or eye thereby causing eye damage, insomnia, irritability, confusion and nervousness;

(3) Severe digestive disorders such as diarrhoea with bloody stools. The accompanying dehydration could be fatal, especially in children;
(4) In women, pinworms can cause vaginal infections causing discharge;
(5) Rashes and swelling occur in various places on the body; (6) Severe abdominal discomfort, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and edema can be caused;

(7) The most common sign for worm infection in children is an itching bottom that is generally noticed at night or early morning. This is because this is the time when worms travel downwards and may come out of the anus.
(8) A child does not get proper nourishment even though he or she receives a good amount of food. This is because the worms eat up all the nourishment and the body is kept malnourished. If this runs long, the child may start losing weight drastically and becomes lean, weak and with less immunity.

(9) Hookworm infection can also cause tiredness, and difficult breathing with exertion. Severe disease can cause congestive heart failure and other organ damage. Infection of worms in our body should be treated immediately. Such signs should not be neglected. You never know you might be providing a safe shelter to your biggest enemy. This parasite not only shares your food but also sucks on your life leading you to death if left untreated.

Causes and transmission modes of intestinal worms
There are several ways in which intestinal worms can be caused in human beings. The most prominent mode of transmission is through any kind of contact with the faeces of an infected person or animals. Eating food and drinking water that is contaminated with the worms is another common way of transmission. People consuming food without washing it thoroughly are prone to intestinal worms. Raw meats, milk and eggs can contain worms that can cause intestinal infections. Meat like beef, pork and fish that are undercooked contains live worms.

People maintaining poor hygiene habits can not only get themselves infected with intestinal worms, but they can also pass on the infection to other people. Worms like hookworms enter the human body through the soles of the feet. Hence people who move around on the open ground with bare feet have a very high degree of getting infected with hookworms.

Spreading of worms and how they are passed and grow
Each female worm can produce more than 10,000 eggs during her lifespan. Worms produce a large number of micro eggs that can be carried in house dust or on clothing, bedding, towels, etc. These tiny worms can easily be picked up by fingers and other parts of the body. They then travel inside the children by mouth or any openings of the body. They locate into the intestines and develop into worms. They stick to the intestines by their hook-like structures and they suck up the blood and nutrients from the child’s intestines.

Over the next several weeks, newly ingested eggs hatch and mature into adult worms. The new worms migrate to the junction between the small and large intestine. Following further maturation, the newly "pregnant" worm migrates from this region to the rectum. From here she will make the trip to the anal area (commonly at night) and deposit her eggs. The life cycle has now come full circle. Adult females live for approximately three months in their human host.

People who are at risk of intestinal worms
Worms are so commonly found all over the world, and in all kinds of climates, that it is very difficult to say who is not at risk from them. Almost everyone in the world has been infected with worms at one or other time in their lives. Yet, there are a few groups of people who are more vulnerable than others.

The following is a list of people who are the most susceptible to worm infections:
(1) Children are at the highest risk. In infants, worms can pass through improperly boiled milk, and in children the different foods that they eat can cause worm infections.

(2)  People who live or work in very close contact with the soil are also vulnerable. These include  farmers and gardeners. Even people who are in the habit of strolling barefooted in their gardens and lawns can attract worms through the soles of their feet.

(3) People who do not take care much of their own personal hygiene are at a very great risk of inviting some worms into their intestines.

Prevention of intestinal worms
A healthy immune system, following clean hygiene and a sanitized environment, is the best method of preventing intestinal worms. The following are some guidelines:

(1) Food and drinks: One must ensure that whatever food is consumed, it must be washed and cooked thoroughly. The same goes for drinks (properly filtered and boiled). The food and water should be pure, fresh and should not be contaminated. Avoid eating fruits (eg oranges and grapes) with open splits.

The food must be properly cooked, especially if it is red meat like beef and pork. Avoid eating exposed foods especially from street-vendors. Vegetables must be washed thoroughly and ideally pealed before consumption.

(2) Practising good personal and environmental hygiene. Wash your hands before eating and after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets. Avoid biting the fingernails. Keep your fingernails short and clean. Parasites can live for two months under the fingernails. After outdoor activities like gardening, wash your hands and legs thoroughly with disinfectant soap.

All laundary must be washed on a daily basis. Underwear must be washed and dried separately from other clothes. As an extreme measure, each person’s clothes must be washed separately. Bedsheets, towels and clothes are to be washed with disinfectants. Footwear must be worn whenever stepping out of the house. Do not share your private and used belongings with others and vice versa.

Keep your living environment clean and eliminate any stagnant pool of water. Breathing the dust in your house can contain human skin, soil particles, or fecal material from dust mites and cockroaches. Avoid swallowing or drinking the water while swimming anywhere. Avoid swimming if cuts or open sores are present.

Pets (dogs and cats) contract worms from many contaminated sources. The most effective way to prevent infections in pets and humans is through flea control. There are many preventive measures pet owners should take to keep their pets from contracting worms.
(a)  Fleas are major carriers of worm eggs and infections. Make sure you treat your pet for fleas and ticks. Vacuum and steam clean carpets and rugs in your home. Your pets’ environment should be kept as clean as possible and follow appropriate measures to dispose of pet faeces.

(b) If pets are infested with parasites, de-worm and keep them outside. You are at a higher risk in contracting worms when pets are allowed indoors. Dogs and cats are host to many parasites that humans can contract. Animals can spread 240 diseases to humans because of parasites.

(c) Treat your pet promptly for worm infections and consider giving a monthly preventive treatment against worms. Visit a veterinarian. (d) Teach children to always wash their hands after playing with dogs and cats, and after playing outdoors.

NB: Considering the above tips of prevention will definitely succeed in taking away worm infections away from you.

Conclusion
Infection of worms in our body should be treated immediately. Such should not be neglected. You never know you might be providing safe shelter to your biggest enemy. This parasite not only shares your food but also sucks on your life, leading you to death if left untreated. Contaminated food is a chief source as well as through the skin and other opening in the body.

Worm larvae could penetrate the skin and infect the intestine. When this happens they begin to multiply in hundreds and sometimes in thousands. For total annihilation of these invaders, you have to be serious and declare an ALL-OUT WAR and fight back with the most powerful weapons in your arsenal.

Your best defence is knowledge; knowing the enemy and the harm it causes. Then, attack with all the weapons that follow without letting up and you will be the victor instead of the victim.

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