What are some names (scientific and other names they are known as) of Parasitic !


Question: What are some names (scientific and other names they are known as) of Parasitic Worms that affect humans?
its for my science class, if you know any parasitic worms that affect humans, let me know!

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"Parasitic Worms in Humans: Types
There are various types of parasitic worms in humans, which are categorized under various phyla. The major ones are mentioned below.

Platyhelminthes
Platyhelminthes, also known as flatworms, are bilaterally symmetrical and have no internal cavity. They have flat bodies and there is an absence of circulatory and respiratory organs. They are parasitic and feed on other life forms. There are 173 discovered species of platyhelminthes found in humans. Under this category come the following.

Trematoda: Trematodes, commonly known as flukes, are oval-shaped and have a tough outer body layer, known as tegument that protects it from any trauma in the digestive tract of the host organism. Trematodes are also found in the liver and bile duct. There width can only be around one inch, the length can extend to a few inches.

Digenea: Digenea are a subclass of platyhelminthes. They are flatworms which are characterized by syncytial tegument. They have two suckers - ventral and oral. Adult digenea are found commonly in the digestive tract, but they may exist in all the organ systems in the body. There are 113 discovered species of digenea found in humans.

Turbellaria: They are flat shaped with a leaf like structure. There is an absence of circulatory and respiratory system in these worms, which means that their oxygen and nutrient requirements are met through diffusion. There are 3 discovered species of turbellaria found in humans.

Cestoda: Cestodes, commonly known as tapeworms, live in the digestive tract of the host organism. Cestodes do not have a mouth, head or a digestive tract. However, their body has a segment called scolex which attaches itself to the intestinal wall and this intestinal parasite is thus able to absorb food.

Eucestoda : Eucestoda is a type of flat worm which fall under the class cestoda. Its larvae have six hooks on the head. There are 57 discovered species of eucestoda found in humans.

Acanthocephala
The acanthocephala, also known as thorny-headed worms, have complex life cycles. The worms in this phylum have an evertable proboscis and spines with which they cut and hold onto the gut wall of the host organism. There are 7 discovered species of acanthocephala found in humans.

Nematoda
Worms belonging to this phylum are also known as roundworms in humans. Their major characteristic is the presence of a digestive system resembling a tube on both its ends. They have long slender bodies and the length may vary from 2 - 30 cm. There are 138 discovered species of nematoda found in humans. Heartworms or Dirofilaria immitis, spread through mosquito bites from one host to another, belong to this phylum.

Nematomorpha
The distinguishing feature of nematomorpha worms, also known as Gordian worms, is that they tie themselves in knots. Their average size of worms from this phylum is 1 cm to 1 meter. The adult nematomorpha are free living while the larvae are parasitic. There are 24 discovered species of nematomorpha found in humans."

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/parasitic…



The most common worm or parasitic is pinworms. heres some information.


Pinworms are small worms that infect the intestines.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the United States. They are most common in school-age children.

Pinworm eggs are spread directly from person to person. They can also be spread by touching bedding, food, or other items contaminated with the eggs.

Typically, children are infected by unknowingly touching pinworm eggs and putting their fingers in their mouths. The eggs are swallowed, and eventually hatch in the small intestine. The worms mature in the colon.

Female worms then move to the child's anal area, especially at night, and deposit more eggs. This may cause intense itching. The area may even become infected. When the child scratches the itching anal area, the eggs can get under the child's fingernails. These eggs can be transferred to other children, family members, and items in the house.

Symptoms

?Difficulty sleeping due to the itching that occurs during the night

?Intense itching around the anus

?Irritability due to itching and interrupted sleep

?Irritated or infected skin around the anus, from constant scratching

?Irritation or discomfort of the vagina in young girls (if an adult worm enters the vagina rather than the anus)

?Loss of appetite and weight (uncommon, but can occur in severe infections)

For more information go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002137




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