Classes of Nematodes

Nematodes  The four main Nematodes that we will concentrate on are: Ascaris Pinworm Hookworm Trichina

Ascaris Worms  Signs & Symptoms: Persistent cough Shortness of breath Wheezing Vague abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea or bloody stools  Signs & Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain Fatigue Vomiting Weight loss A worm in vomit or stool A worm emerging from nose or mouth The severity of the symptoms depends on how many worms you have and how long you have had them.

Preventing Ascaris Infection  The best defense is good hygiene and common sense. Follow these tips to avoid infection: Practice good hygiene. Use care when traveling.

Ascaris Pictures

Pinworm  Signs & Symptoms: Itching around anus or vagina Upset stomach Loss of Appetite Irritability Restlessness Insomnia

Pinworms Cont’d  Can be prevented by having good personal hygiene. That said, it is more common in children than adults.  Infection is spread by ingesting the eggs, not necessarily in food.

Pinworm, Cont’d  Adult pinworms reside in the intestine, and attach to the intestinal wall.  Their eggs are not released in the feces, but instead they crawl and lay egg around the anus. This causes the skin to itch. When scratched the eggs are caught under fingernails and then transmitted to anyone in contact with the infected hand.  Prevention: WASH YOUR HANDS -- ALWAYS!!

Pinworm Pictures

Hookworms  Signs & Symptoms: Anemia (low blood iron) Bloody sputum (spit) Signs of intestinal irriation General ill health

Hookworms, cont’d  Recall they enter through the skin around your toes.  So to prevent them: Wear socks or shoes, or both!

Hookworm Pictures

Trichina  Signs & Symptoms: History of having eaten rare or uncooked pork (bear and other wild carnivores or omnivores) Abdominal Discomfort Cramping Diarrhea Muscle Pain (especially muscle pain with breathing, chewing, or using large muscles) Fever

Trichina, Cont’d  Prevention: Cook your pig products like your life depends on it. Because it might!

Trichina Pictures