THREADWORM
Threadworm - also known as "pinworm" - is the most common worm infection in Australia and New Zealand. This internet information site focuses on Threadworms.
ROUNDWORM
Roundworm is considered rare in Australia & New Zealand. It is more common in regions of the world where population density is high & sanitation,
particularly with regard to human waste matter, is low. To catch roundworms, you need to be in contact with infective eggs which have been passed through
contaminated faeces. Eggs can remain infective in soil for some time. Often there are no symptoms. However, heavy infections can cause abdominal discomfort.
Diagnosis is best made by a doctor, with reference to a pathology laboratory.
HOOKWORM
Hookworm is considered rare in Australia & New Zealand. It is more common in regions of the world where population density is high & sanitation,
particularly with regard to human waste matter, is low. There are 2 types of hookworm which can infect humans:
- Ancylostoma duodenale &
- Necator americanus
Only one of these - Ancylostoma duodenale (A. duodenale) - is considered relevant in Australia & New Zealand.
Infection with A. duodenale occurs when larvae that have hatched from eggs in soil contaminated with faeces, penetrate human skin.
Larvae can remain infective in the soil for several weeks. Often there are no symptoms. However, symptoms when they occur can include rash,
abdominal pain, diarrhoea & in severe cases, iron deficiency. Diagnosis is best made by a doctor, with reference to a pathology laboratory.
STRONGYLOID
Strongyloides is considered rare in Australia & New Zealand. It is more common in regions of the world where population density is high & sanitation,
particularly with regard to human waste matter, is low. Infection occurs when larvae found on contaminated faeces in soil, penetrate human skin.
Due to a cycle of "auto-infection", this type of worm can persist in humans for decades. Often there are no symptoms,
however symptoms when they occur can include a recurrent rash, often involving the buttocks or wrists, abdominal pain aggravated by food, nausea,
diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding, mild chronic colitis (wind) & weight loss. If strongyloides is suspected,
it is vital you consult a medical practitioner for diagnosis.
WHIPWORM
Whipworm is considered rare in Australia & New Zealand. It is more common in regions of the world where population density is high & sanitation,
particularly with regard to human waste matter, is low. Infection occurs when eggs, which have been passed in contaminated faeces in the soil, are swallowed.
Often there are no symptoms, however heavy infections may result in abdominal pain, with bloody or mucous-covered diarrhoea.
If whipworm is suspected, you should consult a medical practitioner for diagnosis.
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