Parasitic Infestation

Subject: Child Health Nursing

Overview

Worm infestation describes worms that reside within people's bodies as parasites. One of the most frequent causes of persistent parasitic infection in children in developing countries' rural areas is intestinal worm infestation. Most often, school-aged children are affected (55-15). It is one of the leading causes of nutritional and health issues. These worms spread more quickly in areas with low sanitation and hygiene. The most prevalent worm infestation on earth is the roundworm. One of the biggest nematode parasites, measuring 20–25 cm, is the roundworm (10-14 inch).A little white worm called a threadworm lives in the ascending colon's caecum, rectum, and nearby ileum and ileum. For effective treatment, it is critical to identify the parasite, such as by looking for eggs, worm segments, or cysts. Additionally, management covers cysticercosis-related symptoms. antiepileptic medications if a seizure is present as well as supportive care for symptoms of cysticercosis. Avoid playing barefoot in the field where the soil may be contaminated with hookworm ova to prevent worm infestation. Hookworm ova enter the body through the foot, travel through the bloodstream, and develop into an adult worm.

Parasitic infestation

Worm infestation

Worm infestation describes worms that reside within people's bodies as parasites. One of the most frequent causes of persistent parasitic infection in children in developing countries' rural areas is intestinal worm infestation. Most often, school-aged children are affected (55-15). It is one of the leading causes of nutritional and health issues. These worms spread more quickly in areas with low sanitation and hygiene.

Common types of worm infestation

  • Roundworm
  • Hookworm
  • Threadworm
  • Tapeworm

Roundworm (Ascaris Lumbricoid)

The most typical worm infestation is found everywhere. One of the biggest nematode parasites, measuring 20–25 cm, is the roundworm. It has a long, cylindrical body that is not segmented, is reddish yellow, and has pointed ends.

Hookworm (Necator Americanus)

They remain in the intestinal villi of the small intestine, primarily in the jejunum, where they stick proteins and blood, causing considerable blood loss as well as an iron and protein shortage. Hookworm anemia is the result.

Thread Worm (Strongyloides Stercoralis)

It is a tiny, white worm that lives in the ascending colon's caecum, rectum, and surrounding ileum regions. In infants and early children, it is typical. The worm measures about 1 cm. Inside a human body, it does not multiply. The gravid female moves at night to the perianal or perineal area, where she lays an egg, which irritates and itches the area around the anus. When a child scratches, an egg may get into the nail. The child may then keep sticking his finger in his mouth, reinfesting himself.

Tapeworm (Taenia solium)

There are two varieties: beef tapeworm and pork tapeworm. The pig tapeworm poses a greater risk to humans because it can progress to a cystic stage in their muscles or brains. It is located in a man's small intestine. With the help of its sucker and hook, it stays anchored to the small intestine.It is a long, flat worm that resembles white tape and is separated into segments, each of which holds a fertilized egg. These pieces separate and are eliminated in the stool.

Diagnostic procedure

  • A brain CT scan or MRI is used to make the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.

Treatment

  • For effective treatment, it is critical to identify the parasite, such as by looking for eggs, worm segments, or cysts. Additionally, management covers cysticercosis-related symptoms.
  • The preferred medication is praziquantel, 10 mg/kg as a single dose.
  • Praziquantel 50 mg/kg/day in three separate doses for two to three weeks or albendazole 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for 28 days can be used to treat neurocysticercosis.
  • Antiepileptic medications if a seizure is present as well as supportive care for symptoms of cysticercosis.
  • If there is evidence of a vitamin B12 shortage, administer parenteral B12.

Prevention of worm infestation

  • If eating raw food, properly wash salad leaves, carrots, radishes, and onions.
  • Use filtered and boiled water to make it safe to drink.
  • Make sure that no prepared food or drinking water is compromised by someone who has ova in their fingernail handling it in an unsanitary manner.
  • After going potty, before preparing food, and just before eating meal, wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Consume properly cooked beef.
  • Keep your nails neat and short.
  • Playing barefoot in the field is not recommended since the soil there may contain hookworm ova. Hookworm ova enter the body through the foot, travel through the bloodstream, and develop into an adult worm.
  • Treat all infected individuals to prevent them from continuing to pass eggs in the feces and acting as an infection source.
  • Instead of urinating outdoors, it should be encouraged to use the restroom.
  • Avoid letting kids bite their nails or put their fingers, pencils, etc. in their mouths.
  • Children should not be allowed to scrape naked skin.

 
Things to remember
  • Worm infestation describes worms that reside within people's bodies as parasites.
  • One of the most frequent causes of persistent parasitic infection in children in developing countries' rural areas is intestinal worm infestation. Most often, school-aged children are affected (55-15).
  • It is one of the leading causes of nutritional and health issues. These worms spread more quickly in areas with low sanitation and hygiene.
  • One of the biggest nematode parasites, measuring 20–25 cm, is the roundworm (10-14 inch).
  • A little white worm called a threadworm lives in the ascending colon's caecum, rectum, and nearby ileum and ileum.
Questions and Answers

Worm infestation describes worms that reside within people's bodies as parasites. One of the most frequent causes of persistent parasitic infection in children in developing countries' rural areas is intestinal worm infestation. Most often, school-aged children are affected (55-15). It is one of the leading causes of nutritional and health issues. These worms spread more quickly in areas with low sanitation and hygiene.

Common types of worm infestation:

  • Roundworm (Ascaris Lumbricoid):
    • The most typical worm infestation is found everywhere. One of the biggest nematode parasites, measuring 20–25 cm, is the roundworm (10-14 inch). It has a long, cylindrical body that is not segmented, is reddish yellow, and has pointy ends.
  • Hookworm (Necator Americanus):
    • They remain in the intestinal villi of the small intestine, primarily in the jejunum, where they stick proteins and blood, causing considerable blood loss as well as an iron and protein shortage. Hookworm anemia is the result.
  • Thread Worm (Strongyloides Stercoralis):
    • It is a tiny, white worm that lives in the ascending colon's caecum, rectum, and surrounding ileum regions. In infants and early children, it is typical. The worm measures about 1 cm. Inside a human body, it does not multiply. An egg is laid by the gravid female in the perianal or perineal area where she migrates at night. Around the anus, this irritates and itches. When a child scratches, an egg may get into the nail. The child may then keep sticking his finger in his mouth, reinfesting himself.
  • Tapeworm (Taenia solium):
    • There are two varieties: beef tapeworm and pork tapeworm. The pig tapeworm poses a greater threat to humans because it can progress to a cystic stage in their muscles or brains. It is located in a man's small intestine. With the help of its sucker and hook, it stays anchored to the small intestine.
    • It is a long, flat worm that resembles white tape and is divided into segments, each of which contains a fertilized egg. These pieces separate and are eliminated in the stool.

Treatment:

  • For effective treatment, it is critical to identify the parasite, such as by looking for eggs, worm segments, or cysts. Additionally, management covers cysticercosis-related symptoms.
  • The preferred medication is praziquantel, 10 mg/kg as a single dose.
  • Praziquantel 50 mg/kg/day in three separate doses for two to three weeks or albendazole 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for 28 days can both be used to treat neurocysticercosis.
  • Antiepileptic medications if a seizure is present as well as supportive care for symptoms of cysticercosis.
  • If there is evidence of a vitamin B12 shortage, administer parenteral B12.

Prevention of worm infestation:

  • If eating raw food, properly wash salad leaves, carrots, radishes, and onions.
  • Use filtered and boiled water to make it safe to drink.
  • Make sure that no prepared food or drinking water is compromised by someone who has ova in their fingernail handling it in an unsanitary manner.
  • After going potty, before preparing food, and just before eating meal, wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Consume properly cooked beef.
  • Keep your nails neat and short.
  • Playing barefoot in the field is not recommended since the soil there may contain hookworm ova. Hookworm ova enter the body through the foot, travel through the bloodstream, and develop into an adult worm.
  • Treat all infected individuals to prevent them from continuing to pass eggs in the feces and acting as an infection source.
  • Instead of urinating outdoors, it should be encouraged to use the restroom.
  • Avoid letting kids bite their nails or put their fingers, pencils, etc. in their mouths.
  • Children should not be allowed to scrape naked skin.

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