Parasitic Worm Infections: The Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Manoj Kumar - B.Pharmacy

Published : Feb 04, 2024

Last Updated : Apr 23, 2025

Helminth or Parasitic worm infections occur due to organisms like roundworms, tapeworms, or flukes.

These parasites live in the human body, often in the intestines, and infect you.

During infection, you may face symptoms ranging from mild digestive issues to serious issues if left untreated.

Parasitic worm infections are more common than you might think, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

This blog will help you find out the different types of parasitic worms, how they spread, and symptoms to look out for.

Also, explore the most effective treatment and prevention options.

What are parasitic worms?

Parasitic worms are mainly organisms that live and feed on another living being to survive. 

Some parasites do not affect their hosts, while others grow, reproduce, and invade organ systems. 

As a result, you fall sick and suffer from a parasitic infection. 

The likelihood of parasite infection is higher in areas with inadequate sanitation facilities.

For this reason, cases of parasitic worm infection are primarily found in developing countries and rural areas.  

What are the Types of Parasitic Worms in Humans?

Several types of parasitic worms can infect humans:

Roundworms (Nematodes):

In the category of Roundworms, you can see Ascaris, hookworms, and pinworms.

They often affect the intestines and can cause malnutrition.

Flatworms:

These include two main groups:

• Tapeworms (Cestodes): Long, segmented worms found in the gut, transmitted via undercooked meat or fish.
• Flukes (Trematodes): Leaf-shaped worms that infect organs like the liver, lungs, or blood vessels.

Zoonotic vs. Human-Specific Worms:

Some worms infect both animals and humans (zoonotic), while others infect only humans.

Zoonotic infections often come from pets, livestock, or contaminated environments.

What are the Symptoms of parasitic infections?

When you suffer from a parasitic infection, you often experience the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Weakness
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

On the other hand, a parasitic infection caused by tapeworms makes you suffer from:

Neurological problems like seizures

• Lumps or bumps
• Fever
• Allergic reaction

While suffering from a Fluke infection, you might notice the symptoms after a few weeks or a month, like:

• Fatigue 
• Fever

Parasitic infection caused by hookworms makes you suffer from:

• Itchy rash
• Fatigue 
• Anemia

How Do Parasitic Worms Spread?

Parasitic worms can enter the human body through several routes, including:

Fecal-Oral Transmission:

Worm eggs from infected faeces can contaminate hands, food, or surfaces.

Poor hygiene can spread parasites like pinworms and Ascaris and become the cause of infection.

Contaminated Food and Water:

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, fish, or unclean water may carry worms. These can include tapeworms, roundworms, or flukes, which can move to the digestive system.

Skin Penetration:

Some larvae, like schistosomes, can penetrate human skin directly.

It can happen when you come in contact with contaminated freshwater environments.

Vector-Borne Transmission:

Infections like filariasis spread through bites from infections.

Insects like mosquitoes or other insects carrying parasitic larvae which can infect you.

Who is more at risk of parasitic infections?

Any person can suffer from a parasitic infection.

But there are a few people who have more risk than others. 

You are more likely to suffer from this kind of infection if you:

1. Do not have access to clean drinking water
2. Have a weak immune system or already suffering from any disease
3. Often, they swim in rivers, lakes, or ponds where Giardia and other types of parasites are common. 
4. Work with soil regularly or work in childcare, where you come into contact with faeces often. 

How is Diagnosis and Testing for Parasitic Worms Done?

Here are some of the methods that can help find parasitic worm infections:

Stool Sample Tests:

Most intestinal worm infections are diagnosed by detecting eggs or larvae in stool samples under a microscope.

Blood Tests:

Blood work can reveal eosinophilia (high eosinophil count). It can also show specific antibodies that can indicate a parasitic infection if present in the body.

Imaging (Ultrasound, CT, MRI):

Imagining helps to detect cysts or lesions in organs caused by parasites like tapeworms or liver flukes.

Endoscopy:

It's a flexible tube which is inserted into the digestive tract to observe the condition directly. Also, it's sometimes used to remove intestinal worms.

What are the Treatment Options for Parasitic Worm Infections?

Here are some of the treatment options used during a Parasitic worm infection to get relief:

Anthelmintic Medications (Albendazole, Mebendazole, Praziquantel):

These are first-line drugs used to kill or paralyze worms. Albendazole and mebendazole are effective against roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms. While medications like Praziquantel target flatworms like tapeworms and flukes.

Discover Ivermectin vs. Albendazole: Know the Key Differences and Uses

Dosage Guidelines and Duration:

Treatment varies based on the parasite type, infection severity, and age of the patient. Some require a single dose, while others may need several days of therapy or repeated cycles.

Resistance Risks:

Overuse or incomplete Treatment can lead to drug resistance in some parasites. It can increase the risk of infections to get harder to cure and control over time.

Natural or Herbal Remedies:

Some herbs like papaya seeds or garlic show mild antiparasitic effects, but evidence is limited. They should not replace prescribed medications and are best used under medical supervision.

Discover how Zentel(Albendazole) help in worm infection.

Prevention and Control Strategies for Parasitic Worm Infections:

Hygiene and Sanitation:

Regular handwashing with soap and using clean toilets can help maintain proper hygiene. Also, ensure proper waste disposal to reduce the spread of parasitic eggs and larvae.

Deworming Campaigns:

Mass deworming programs, especially in schools and high-risk areas, help control worm burden. These campaigns can help prevent reinfections in communities.

Safe Food Preparation:

Cooking meat thoroughly and washing fruits and vegetables can help to prevent them from coming in contact. Avoid raw or undercooked food to prevent ingestion of parasite eggs or larvae.

Clean Drinking Water Access:

Using filtered, boiled, or treated water prevents waterborne parasites. Such practices are a must in areas especially with poor sanitation infrastructure.

Summary:

Parasitic worm infections, due to organisms like roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes, are common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

They can spread through contaminated food, water, soil and the environment.

You are more likely to face symptoms like digestive issues and severe complications.

For Diagnosis, stool tests, blood work, or imaging can help find a parasitic infection.

Moreover, Treatment includes anthelmintic medications and prevention.

You can rely on hygiene, clean water, and deworming efforts to improve your health.