roundworms


roundworms

Common nematode intestinal parasites, especially Ascaris lubricoides which inhabit the small intestine and live for about a year. Roundworm eggs are acquired by fecal contamination of food or fingers. If the worms are present in sufficient numbers there may be abdominal discomfort, pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. Roundworms are easily dislodged by means of anthelmintic drugs such as piperazine, levamisole or mebendazole.

roundworms

see NEMATODE.