askvity

Can worms live in humans?

Published in Parasitic Infections 2 mins read

Yes, certain types of worms can live in humans. One example is threadworms, which are specifically mentioned in our reference.

Threadworms and Humans

Life Cycle

  • Threadworms, also known as pinworms, live in the human lower intestine.
  • They are typically acquired by ingesting (eating) the eggs.
  • Humans are the only host of threadworms.
  • Female threadworms exit the anus at night to lay their eggs around the anal area.

Symptoms and Spread

  • This process can cause intense itching around the anus, particularly at night.
  • Children often scratch the itchy area, getting the eggs under their fingernails.
  • This is a common way for the eggs to spread, leading to re-infection or the infection of others.

Other Intestinal Worms in Humans

Although the provided reference specifically addresses threadworms, there are other types of intestinal worms that can live in humans. Some of these include:

  • Roundworms
  • Hookworms
  • Tapeworms

These worms can also cause a variety of symptoms and require specific treatments.

Summary

The provided reference confirms that threadworms can and do live in humans, particularly in the lower intestine. These worms are specific to humans, which means they do not have any other animal hosts. The eggs are ingested and the adult worms reside in the lower intestine.

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