Humans are hosts to nearly 300 species of parasitic worms and over 70 species of protozoa, some derived from our primate ancestors and some acquired from the animals we have domesticated or come in contact with during our relatively short history on Earth.
Of the 3200 species of parasites, over a 1000 of these parasites can live in the human body.
While there are over 20,000 known species of earthworms alone, estimates of the total number of worm species range from several hundred thousand to millions. However, there are three main groups of worms: flatworms, segmented worms, and roundworms.
Pinworms are also called “threadworms.” They're the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the U.S., and one of the most common in the world. They're thin and white, and about one-quarter to one-half inch long -- about as long as a staple.
Deworming is not always necessary, but is recommended for children who live in endemic areas once a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is over 20% and twice a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is 50%.
Earthworm possess 5 pairs heart. Earthworms do not have a genuine heart because they are worms, but they do have aortic arches, which connect ventral and dorsal veins and pump blood. An earthworm is a terrestrial invertebrate, which means it doesn't have a heart and has an open circulatory system.
Heartbeats: Worms don't have just one heart. They have FIVE! But their hearts and circulatory system aren't as complicated as ours -- maybe because their blood doesn't have to go to so many body parts.
There are over 1000 species of native worms in Australia and approximately 80 introduced species that are beneficial as well. They are not all small and brown – some Australian native worms are enormous.
The adult worms live in the lower intestine, coming out of the anus at night to lay their eggs. Children with threadworms can get the eggs under their fingernails when scratching their itchy bottoms at night. The eggs can then be spread via bed linen, bathroom fittings and other items, even food.
What do intestinal worms feed on? Intestinal worms and other parasites feed on nutrients inside the intestine. This can reduce the amount of nutrients a person's body absorbs.
Globally, due to intestinal parasitic infections, around 3.5 billion people are affected and more than 200,000 deaths are reported annually.
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm Megascolides australis is only found in small areas of South and West Gippsland, Victoria. It is one of the largest earthworms in the world, often exceeding one metre in length. It is rarely seen due to its underground life cycle but sometimes can be heard as it moves beneath the ground.
There are many worms worldwide that can infest the bowels of people. Most of them are not a problem in Australia because of our climate and good standard of sanitation. Worms causing infection in people are parasites that live and breed mostly in the bowel (intestine).
They might sense something, but it is not painful and does not compromise their well-being." The government called for the study on pain, discomfort and stress in invertebrates to help in the planned revision of Norway's animal protection law.
Instead of breathing through lungs, earthworms breathe through their skin. That's the reason why we see them so much after a rainstorm. The wet soil inhibits their breathing, which brings the worms to the surface.
Two mature worms lie next to each other head to tail and bring their sex organs into contact. The male cells on each worm then fertilise the female cells on the other by exchanging sperm. When the worms break apart, each fertilised worm secretes a mucous substance, then helps the egg capsule form.
Do worms have brains? Yes, although they are not particularly complex. Each worm's brain sits next to its other organs, and connects the nerves from the worm's skin and muscles, controlling how it feels and moves.
Earthworms are hermaphrodites, meaning an individual worm has both male and female reproductive organs. Earthworm mating typically occurs after it has rained and the ground is wet. They emerge from the soil and jut out their anterior end.
Even though worms don't have eyes, they can sense light, especially at their anterior (front end). They move away from light and will become paralyzed if exposed to light for too long (approximately one hour). If a worm's skin dries out, it will die.
If deworming is ignored, these worms have the ability to form cysts in the liver and lungs leading to pneumonia and other neurological conditions. Although there is an increased amount of awareness worldwide about deworming among children, deworming among adults also requires more attention.
Worm infestation can also lead to death.
On the surface, deworming looks like a non-threatening affair, but a lack of it can actually be fatal for you. It is mostly our daily, unhygienic habits that lead to worm infestation.
Worms are a very common source of illness for both adults and children, so experts recommend that deworming should be done two times a year, or every six months, beginning at the age of two years. Deworming is the process of eliminating intestinal parasites, such as worms, using medication.
Why? Most people do not know they are infected or at risk, or don't have access to appropriate care. And often, health care providers are unfamiliar with these parasitic infections, and may not diagnose or treat them appropriately.