5 parasitic worms that can live in the human body

When infected with parasites, flatworms and roundworms are possible causes. Both types of parasitic worms can be found in various habitats and are not always visible to the naked eye.

1. Tapeworms

You can become infected with tapeworms by drinking air contaminated with tapeworms or egg larvae. Raw or undercooked meat is another way these flatworms can find their way into the human body.

Tapeworms implant their heads against the intestinal wall and stay there. From there, certain types of tapeworms can produce eggs that migrate to other parts of the body.

A tapeworm looks like a long white ribbon. These worms can grow up to 50 feet and live in the human body for up to 30 years.

2. Flukes

People are less likely to become infected with worms with flat or leaf-like worms. Raw water lettuce and other freshwater plants are the main sources of worms in humans. You can also become infected when you drink contaminated water.

Flatworms make a home in human intestines, blood, or tissue. There are many types of worms, but none reach more than a few inches in length.

3. Hookworms

Hookworms are transmitted through infected feces and soil. The most common way to make contact with these roundworms is to walk barefoot on soil infested with hookworm larvae, which can penetrate the skin.

Hookworms live in the small intestine, where they attach themselves to the intestinal wall with a "hook". Usually less than half an inch long.

4. Pinworms

Pinworms are tiny or pinworms (Threadworms), worms that are not dangerous, but they are quite common in children. Pinworms live in the large intestine and rectum. The female lays eggs around the anus, usually at night.

5. Trichinella worms

Spiralis or also called muscle worms are animals from invertebrates belonging to the phylum Nematoda. This worm causes trichinosis in humans, pigs, or mice. Parasites enter the human body through undercooked pork.