Are nematodes harmful to humans?

There are many tiny worms in our daily life that are invisible to humans, just like some children will have stomachaches when they are young. Some doctors will recommend that children take deworming medicine when treating them. The worms in the child’s stomach can be removed and the child will not feel pain. In fact, the worms that are removed are very small and invisible worms. Some people also call them nematodes. So are nematodes harmful to humans?

First of all, nematodes are not harmful poisonous insects, and they do not carry any harmful bacteria or viruses! Secondly, the chance of entering the human body is very small, unless you drink raw water. But even if they are really eaten by the human body, the human body has a very powerful immune system or mechanism to kill them or control them so that they do not develop to the point where they are harmful to the human body. For example, first of all, it is difficult for nematodes to survive the high-intensity gastric acid in our stomach. In addition, there are many immune cells, bacteriophages, etc. . . Therefore, there is no need to worry too much. In fact, the bacteria, viruses and spores that enter your body through your nostrils and mouth from the air every day are probably much more dangerous than the nematodes in the water, but you usually don't worry too much about getting sick.

1. Hookworms: They enter the human body through contaminated water, fruits or vegetables. Hookworms live primarily in the human intestines, feeding on the host's blood, which can sometimes lead to anemia. Main symptoms: weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and anemia.

2. Pinworms: They make their home in the intestines of the host and can cause enterobiasis. But pinworms are different from other parasites in that they do not enter the bloodstream or survive for long in other parts of the body. They usually lay eggs in the anus, causing itching, and are then spread through finger contact. Main symptoms: pain and itching.

3. Scabies: It is transmitted through physical contact. Female scabies mites lay eggs on human skin, which can cause itching and inflammation. Main symptoms: itching, pain, pustules, and skin irritation.

4. Flat-shaped schistosomes: They live in the blood of infected wounds and can cause schistosomiasis. Flatworms live in water and can pierce the skin of victims who come into contact with contaminated water, causing inflammation in the body. Main symptoms: fever, pain, cough, diarrhea, and drowsiness.

5. Ascaris: It is the largest intestinal nematode that affects the human body. Ascaris enters the human body mainly through food intake and then enters the blood. Main symptoms: fever, fatigue, allergic rash, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological problems, wheezing, and coughing.

6. Red weevils: They enter the human body through food that has been invaded and destroyed by red weevils and attach themselves to the intestines of the victim. Their eggs are excreted through human feces, can attach to plants, and are sometimes eaten by livestock. Humans can enter the body by eating infected livestock. Main symptoms: nausea, vomiting, intestinal infection, diarrhea, weight loss, dizziness, convulsions, and malnutrition.