In the United States alone there have been over 4 million cases of roundworm infection reported at any one time. In warmer climates, these infections are common when infected animal feces contaminate soil.
Facts
There are several types of parasitic roundworm infections such as hookworm, pinworm, whipworm, and the most common intestinal roundworm is ascariasis.
Background
A group of animals without backbones with round, long bodies are called roundworms, also known as nematodes, infect cats, dogs and humans.
Size
Roundworm eggs range in size from several hundredths of an inch (microscopic) to 3 to 4 inches long and can be seen by the naked eye.
Symptoms
There are no symptoms in most cases; however, if symptoms occur they may include bloody sputum, passing worms in stool, vomiting worms, stomach pain, shortness of breath, signs of malnutrition and coughing.
Treatment
Medications such as albendazole or mebendazole are used for treatment to paralyze and kill parasitic worms. In rare cases, surgery may be needed if the intestines are blocked by worms.
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