Parasitic Nematodes!!!

Remember that most nematodes, (roundworms), are free living. You find them everywhere. We know the parasitic species really well because they affect us and our agriculture in many ways. Root knot nematodes cause 5% of global crop loss!

There are many types of parasitic nematode worms and they cause different conditions. Filarial nematodes: Thread-like worms mainly found in the tropics. Often transmitted from one primary host to another via a mosquito or fly bite. Primary hosts are usually birds or mammals. They live in lymph and blood vessels.

1. River Blindness: Spread by black flies that live near rivers. Migration in the eyes can destroy the corneas causing blindness. Most infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

2. Whip-worm: Look like a whip. Bury in intestines. Feed on blood. Can cause emaciation and a prolapsed rectum. Infects people via eggs released by poop.

3. Canine Heartworm: Major effect on the health of the animal. Spread from host to host via mosquitoes. Damage to lung blood vessels and tissues. Can reside in the heart as well.

Some other nematodes ~ (The intestinal dwelling parasites)

4. Pinworms: (Itchy Butt) A very common parasite in the developed world. However found world-wide!!! The most common parasitic worm in the United States, Western Europe, and Oceania. Especially common among children. Ingestion of them.

Male and females mate in the last part of the small intestines. Males die afterwards. Females migrate to the anus where they lay their eggs.

Ascaris: Ascaris lumbricoides Most common intestinal worm around. Transmitted by ingestion of eggs in dirt. Hatch in the small intestines, burrow through to the lungs, via blood vessels, then are coughed up and swallowed again. Live as adults when they arrive at the small intestines again. Mate and release eggs in feces.