Parasites In Humans
Find The Nastiest Parasites In Humans

Nematoda - Roundworms

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Parasitic roundworms (class: Nematoda, commonly called "nematodes") have small teeth for biting and oral suckers to hold on to tissue. Some roundworms use enzymes to break down cells which become easier to ingest. Smallest roundworms are a few millimeters long while some can grow up to 30 centimeters. Their digestive system and metabolism produce chemicals, which they excrete inside humans causing further infection. For example, ammonia gets into our bloodstream causing damage to human cells. Roundworms have sensory systems and most have the sense of touch. They are dioecious and thus reproduce sexually.

Here are the most common human roundworms.

  • Anisakis
    Information about anisakiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Anisakis simplex. Pictures and videos included.
  • Ascaris Lumbricoides - Giant Roundworm
    Ascaris lumbricoides is a huge intestinal worm that causes ascariasis infection. Ascaris lumbricoides life cycle, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment as well as pictures and videos.
  • Enterobius Vermicularis - Pinworm
    Pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, is a tiny intestinal worm. Pinworms cause enterobiasis, an infection characterized by anal itching (especially during the night). Includes pictures and videos.
  • Hookworms
    Bloodsucking hookworms cause malnutrition and anemia in humans. Information (including pictures and videos) about hookworms.
  • Loa Loa - Eye Worm - Subcutaneous Filariasis
    Loa loa is a long thin worm that migrates under the skin. It is usually spotted in the eye and thus called the eye worm. Information about the disease (subcutaneous filariasis).
  • Strongyloides Stercoralis
    Strongyloidiasis is caused by a small parasitic worm called Strongyloides stercoralis. Information such as life cycle, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention as well as pictures and videos.
  • Trichuris Trichiura - Whipworm
    Whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, causes a disease called trichuriasis. Life cycle, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention as well as pictures and videos.
  • Wuchereria Bancrofti - Lymphatic Filariasis - Elephantiasis
    Wuchereria bancrofti is a thread-like worm that causes "lymphatic filariasis" (skin swelling). In severe cases the disease develops into "elephantiasis" (swollen elephant-like skin).