What is scabies and how does it spread. What are the main symptoms of a scabies infestation. How is scabies diagnosed and treated. Who is most at risk for getting scabies. What complications can arise from untreated scabies.

What is Scabies and How Does it Spread?

Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. These microscopic parasites burrow into the upper layers of the skin, where they live and lay eggs. This triggers an intense allergic reaction in the host, leading to severe itching and a distinctive rash.

The mites spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Brief contact, like a handshake or hug, usually does not spread scabies. It commonly spreads through:

• Close physical contact, especially sexual contact
• Sharing bedding, clothing, or towels with an infected person
• Close living conditions (nursing homes, prisons, childcare facilities)

Is scabies more common in certain parts of the world? Yes, while scabies occurs globally, it is most prevalent in hot, tropical areas and regions with high population density and poverty. An estimated 200 million people worldwide are affected by scabies at any given time.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Scabies

The hallmark symptom of scabies is intense, relentless itching that often worsens at night. This itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs, and waste. Other common symptoms include:

• A pimple-like rash, often in a line or track
• Tiny blisters or scales
• Sores caused by scratching
• Thick, crusted skin in severe cases (crusted scabies)

Where on the body does scabies typically appear? The rash and burrows are most commonly found in these areas:

• Between the fingers
• On the wrists and elbows
• Around the waistline and navel
• On the breasts and genitals
• On the buttocks and knees

In infants and young children, the rash may appear on the scalp, face, neck, palms, and soles of the feet.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Scabies

Diagnosing scabies typically involves a physical examination and microscopic identification of the mites, eggs, or fecal matter. A dermatologist may use a technique called skin scraping to collect samples for examination.

How is scabies treated? The primary treatment for scabies involves prescription medications called scabicides that kill the mites. Common treatments include:

• Permethrin cream 5%
• Ivermectin (oral medication)
• Lindane lotion
• Crotamiton cream or lotion

These medications are usually applied to the entire body from the neck down and left on for 8-14 hours before washing off. Treatment may need to be repeated after one week to ensure all mites are eliminated.

Is it necessary to treat everyone in a household when one person has scabies? Yes, it’s recommended that all household members and close contacts be treated simultaneously, even if they don’t show symptoms. This helps prevent reinfestation.

Who is Most at Risk for Scabies Infestations?

While anyone can get scabies, certain groups are at higher risk for contracting and spreading the infestation:

• Children, especially in areas with limited resources
• Older adults, particularly in nursing homes
• People with weakened immune systems
• People living in crowded conditions
• Sexually active individuals with multiple partners

Why are children in resource-poor areas particularly vulnerable to scabies? In these settings, factors such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare contribute to higher rates of scabies among children. Studies have shown that in some resource-poor tropical areas, the prevalence of scabies in children can range from 5% to as high as 50%.

Complications and Long-term Effects of Untreated Scabies

If left untreated, scabies can lead to several serious complications:

1. Secondary bacterial infections: Constant scratching can break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infections.
2. Impetigo: A common skin infection that can lead to more severe conditions.
3. Cellulitis: A potentially serious bacterial skin infection.
4. Septicemia: In rare cases, bacterial infections can enter the bloodstream.
5. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: A kidney disorder that can follow streptococcal skin infections.
6. Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: These conditions have been linked to impetigo caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, which can be a complication of scabies.

Can scabies cause long-term health problems? While scabies itself doesn’t cause long-term issues if properly treated, the complications arising from untreated scabies can lead to chronic health problems, especially in vulnerable populations.

Preventing the Spread of Scabies in Communities

Preventing scabies outbreaks, especially in institutional settings, requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Early identification and treatment of infected individuals
• Proper hygiene practices
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with infected persons
• Washing bedding, clothing, and towels used by infected persons
• Educating communities about scabies transmission and symptoms

How long should a person with scabies be isolated? Infected individuals should avoid close contact with others until they have completed treatment, typically 24 hours after starting medication. However, itching may persist for several weeks after successful treatment.

The Global Burden of Scabies: Economic and Social Impact

Scabies imposes a significant burden on global health systems and economies, particularly in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes scabies as a neglected tropical disease due to its substantial impact on public health and socioeconomic development.

What are the economic costs associated with scabies? The economic burden of scabies includes:

• Direct healthcare costs for diagnosis and treatment
• Indirect costs due to lost productivity
• Expenses related to managing outbreaks in institutional settings
• Costs of treating complications and secondary infections

In addition to economic costs, scabies can have significant social impacts, including stigmatization and reduced quality of life for affected individuals.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Scabies Management

Ongoing research is focusing on improving scabies management and control, particularly in endemic areas. Some key areas of research include:

• Development of new diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate detection
• Exploration of alternative treatments, including natural remedies
• Investigation of mass drug administration strategies for community-wide control
• Studies on the genomics of Sarcoptes scabiei to better understand drug resistance

What promising new treatments are being developed for scabies? Researchers are exploring several new approaches, including:

• Moxidectin, a long-acting oral medication that may provide extended protection against reinfestation
• Tea tree oil and other essential oils as potential natural treatments
• Nanotechnology-based formulations for more effective topical treatments

These emerging treatments aim to improve efficacy, reduce side effects, and potentially offer longer-lasting protection against scabies infestations.

The Role of Public Health Initiatives in Scabies Control

Public health initiatives play a crucial role in controlling scabies, especially in endemic areas. These efforts often involve:

• Mass drug administration programs
• Community education campaigns
• Improved access to clean water and sanitation
• Integration of scabies control with other neglected tropical disease programs

How effective are mass drug administration programs for scabies control? Several studies have shown that mass drug administration of ivermectin can significantly reduce the prevalence of scabies in endemic communities. For example, a program in Fiji reduced scabies prevalence from 32% to less than 2% after two years of annual treatments.

Scabies in Special Populations: Challenges and Considerations

Certain populations face unique challenges when it comes to scabies management:

1. Immunocompromised individuals: At risk for severe, crusted scabies
2. Infants and young children: May require specialized treatment approaches
3. Elderly in care facilities: Outbreaks can be difficult to control
4. Homeless populations: Limited access to healthcare and hygiene facilities

How does scabies management differ for these special populations? Approaches may include:

• More aggressive treatment regimens for immunocompromised patients
• Careful monitoring and adjusted dosing for infants and children
• Facility-wide interventions in nursing homes and care centers
• Outreach programs and mobile clinics for homeless populations

The Psychological Impact of Scabies Infestations

Beyond the physical symptoms, scabies can have significant psychological effects on those affected:

• Anxiety and stress due to persistent itching
• Sleep disturbances leading to fatigue and mood changes
• Social isolation and embarrassment
• Depression, especially in cases of chronic or recurrent infestations

How can healthcare providers address the psychological aspects of scabies? A comprehensive approach to scabies management should include:

• Counseling and emotional support for patients
• Education to reduce stigma and misconceptions
• Referrals to mental health professionals when needed
• Support groups or resources for individuals dealing with chronic infestations

Scabies and Environmental Factors: Climate Change and Urbanization

Environmental factors play a significant role in the prevalence and spread of scabies:

• Climate change may alter the distribution of scabies mites
• Urbanization and population density increase transmission risk
• Poverty and lack of access to healthcare exacerbate outbreaks

How might climate change affect scabies prevalence? As global temperatures rise, areas previously inhospitable to scabies mites may become suitable habitats, potentially expanding the geographic range of the disease. Additionally, climate-related disasters can lead to overcrowding and poor living conditions, further facilitating scabies transmission.

Innovative Technologies in Scabies Detection and Monitoring

Emerging technologies are enhancing our ability to detect, monitor, and manage scabies infestations:

• Artificial intelligence for automated diagnosis from skin images
• Mobile health applications for remote consultation and follow-up
• Geographic information systems for mapping outbreaks and high-risk areas
• Wearable devices for monitoring scratching behavior and treatment adherence

How can these technologies improve scabies management? By enabling earlier detection, facilitating remote care in underserved areas, and providing real-time data for public health interventions, these innovations have the potential to revolutionize scabies control efforts worldwide.

The One Health Approach to Scabies Control

The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, is increasingly being applied to scabies control:

• Studying scabies in animals to better understand human infestations
• Investigating environmental factors that contribute to mite survival and spread
• Collaborating across disciplines to develop comprehensive control strategies

Why is a One Health approach beneficial for scabies control? This holistic strategy can lead to more effective interventions by addressing all aspects of scabies transmission and persistence in communities. For example, understanding how scabies affects both humans and animals can inform strategies to prevent cross-species transmission and improve overall community health.

Scabies and Global Health Equity

The global distribution of scabies highlights significant health inequities:

• Disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income countries
• Limited access to diagnosis and treatment in resource-poor settings
• Neglect in global health agendas and funding priorities

How can global health initiatives address these inequities? Strategies may include:

• Increasing funding for scabies research and control programs
• Improving access to affordable medications in endemic areas
• Integrating scabies management into primary healthcare systems
• Advocating for greater recognition of scabies as a significant public health issue

By addressing these inequities, global health initiatives can work towards reducing the burden of scabies and improving health outcomes for affected populations worldwide.

Scabies

Scabies

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• Scabies

N. Lufanga

Baby suffering from Scabies in the United Republic of Tanzania.

©
Credits

Key facts

• Human scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis
• At least 200 million people worldwide suffer from scabies at any one time
• An estimated 5–50% of children in resource-poor areas are affected by scabies.
• Scabies occurs worldwide but is most common in hot, tropical countries and in areas of high population density.

Overview

Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing intense itching and a rash.

Scabies can lead to skin sores and serious complications like septicaemia (a bloodstream infection), heart disease and kidney problems. It is treated using creams or oral medications.

Scabies is contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact. It occurs worldwide but is most common in low-income tropical areas. Children and older people in resource-poor areas are at higher risk.

Scope of the problem

Scabies is one of the commonest dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin disease in developing countries. Globally, it is estimated to affect more than 200 million people at any time and more than 400 million people cumulatively every year.

Scabies is found in every country but is particularly common in many resource-poor tropical settings, particularly in children and older people. Prevalence among children in these settings may vary from 5% up to 50%. Recurrent infestations are common. The sheer burden of scabies infestation and its complications imposes a major cost on health care systems. Cases are sporadic in high-income countries, yet outbreaks in health institutions and vulnerable communities contribute to significant economic cost in national health services. 

Several studies have shown that outbreaks of scabies are a major risk factor for kidney disease in the form of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. A growing body of evidence also implicates impetigo caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of scabies usually begin 4–6 weeks after infestation. Sometimes there are visible signs before symptoms begin.

Symptoms of scabies include:

• severe itch, often worse at night;
• itchy lines (linear burrows) and bumps (papules) on the fingers, wrists, arms, legs and belt area;
• enflamed bumps on male genitalia and female breasts; and
• larger rash in infants and small children, including on the palms, soles of the feet, ankles and scalp.

Most individuals are infected with 10–15 mites.

People with suppressed immune systems, including people living with HIV, may develop crusted (Norwegian) scabies. This severe infection can have thousands or millions or mites and causes dry, scaley areas on the skin. It often does not cause itch. Crusted scabies spreads very easily and can cause secondary infections. It is life threatening.  

Scabies mites burrow into the top layer of skin, where the adult female lays eggs. The eggs hatch in 3–4 days and develop into adult mites in 1–2 weeks. After 4–6 weeks the patient develops an allergic reaction to the presence of mite proteins and faeces in the scabies burrow, causing intense itch and rash.

Mite effects on immunity, as well as the direct effects of scratching, can lead to inoculation of the skin with bacteria, leading to the development of impetigo (skin sores), especially in the tropics. Impetigo may become complicated by deeper skin infection such as abscesses or serious invasive disease, including septicaemia. In tropical settings, scabies-associated skin infection is a common risk factor for kidney disease and possibly rheumatic heart disease. Evidence of acute renal damage can be found in up to 10% of children with scabies infestation in resource-poor settings and, in many, this persists for years following infection contributing to permanent kidney damage.  

Prevention

Treating scabies as soon as possible is the best way to prevent outbreaks. The mites that cause scabies usually die after 2–3 days away from human skin.

Prevent scabies from spreading with these steps:

• avoid skin-to-skin contact with an infested person, especially if they have an itchy rash;
• treat all members of the household if someone has scabies to prevent the mites from spreading to others;
• wash and dry bedding and clothing that has been in contact with the infested person, using hot water and drying in direct sunlight, a hot dryer cycle or dry cleaning;
• seal items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag for a week to help eliminate the mites; and
• clean and vacuum or sweep rooms after an infested person has been treated, especially for people with crusted scabies.

Transmission

Scabies is transmitted person-to-person through close skin contact (e.g. living in the same residence) with an infested individual. The risk of transmission increases with the level of infestation, with highest risk due to contact with individuals with crusted scabies. Transmission due to contact with infested personal items (e.g., clothes and bed linens) is unlikely with common scabies but may be important for individuals with crusted scabies. As there is an asymptomatic period of infestation, transmission may occur before the initially infested person develops symptoms. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of scabies is based on clinical recognition of the typical features of infestation. The diagnosis of scabies can be supported by visual imaging techniques such as dermatoscopy or microscopy of skin scrapings from burrows, but this is generally not necessary, especially in highly endemic areas. Patients typically present with severe itch, linear burrows and papules around the finger webs, wrists, upper and lower limbs, and belt area. Infants and small children may have a more widespread rash, including involvement of the palms, soles of the feet, ankles, and sometimes the scalp. Inflammatory scabies nodules may be seen, particularly on the penis and scrotum of adult males and around the breasts of females. Because of the delay between initial infection and development of symptoms, scabies lesions may be seen in close contacts that have not yet developed itch.

Treatment

Scabies can be treated with topical creams or oral medication in more severe cases. Itchiness often gets worse for 1–2 weeks after treatment starts.

Topical treatments that are applied to the whole body include:

• 5% permethrin cream
• 0.5% malathion in aqueous base
• 10–25% benzyl benzoate emulsion
• 5–10% sulphur ointment.

Ivermectin taken orally is also highly effective, but it should not be taken by pregnant women or children who weigh less than 15 kg.

Treatments do not kill the parasite’s eggs, and treatment should be repeated to kill newly hatched mites. People do not experience symptoms in the early stages of infestation. To reduce spread, all people in the household should be treated, even if they do not have symptoms.

Other treatments may be needed to treat the complications of scabies. Antiseptics or antibiotics are used to treat bacterial skin infections or impetigo.

Patients with crusted scabies are highly infectious and a source of reinfection to the rest of the community. Patients with crusted scabies need intense treatment with both topical and oral medications.

Disease control

Population control of scabies and its complications has been identified by a number of countries as a public health priority, and several studies have shown that mass drug administration (MDA) strategies have the potential to substantially reduce prevalence of scabies, with concomitant reductions in impetigo. In 2019 WHO convened an informal consultation of global experts to review available data and develop recommendations on strategies for global and country level control. The experts agreed that there is convincing evidence that MDA can be highly effective in places where the prevalence is 10% or greater, but the evidence for its effectiveness in places with lower prevalence is less clear. The current recommendation is that two doses of ivermectin (dose 200µg/kg) should be administered and a topical agent such as permethrin 5% cream should be given when ivermectin is contraindicated or not available. There is ongoing research to determine if one dose of treatment is sufficient for MDA, however currently the evidence is inconclusive. Further research is required to define the strategies to be used when the prevalence is low, either at baseline or when achieved by MDA.

Outbreaks of scabies can occur in either closed, institutional settings (such as hospitals, boarding schools or long-term care facilities) or open community settings. Refugee or internally displaced person camps are at particularly high risk due to overcrowding which increases skin to skin contact. Outbreaks can be extended and difficult to control. The general principles include surveillance in high-risk settings, early confirmation of an outbreak, and involvement of public health experts.

The WHO informal consultation on a Framework for Scabies Control Meeting Report outlines the key operational research that is still required to develop guidelines for control and surveillance strategy for all contexts.

Large scale scabies MDAs are ongoing in PNG, Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands.

WHO response

In 2017, scabies and other ectoparasites were included as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by the WHO, in response to requests from Member States and the recommendations of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for NTDs.

WHO 2030 global targets for scabies include:

• countries to incorporate scabies management in the universal health coverage package of care; and
• countries to conduct MDA intervention in endemic areas (areas where prevalence is 10% or greater).

WHO works with Member States and partners to develop control strategies and scabies outbreak response plans. WHO recommends that control strategies for scabies should be part of an integrated skin NTDs approach adapted to the diseases present in a particular country in order to facilitate rapid, cost-effective uptake of the strategy.  Ivermectin is now included on the WHO essential medicines list for scabies and a number of suppliers have been WHO prequalified.

 

References:

1. WHO informal consultation on a framework for scabies control, meeting report, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines, 19–21 February 2019. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240008069  
2. The global burden of scabies: a cross-sectional analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. Karimkhani C, Colombara DV, Drucker AM, Norton SA, Hay R, Engelman D, et al. The global burden of scabies: a cross-sectional analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015.Lancet Infect Dis. 2017;17:1247–54. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(17)30483-8/fulltext 
3. Tsoi SK, Lake SJ, Thean LJ, Matthews A, Sokana O, Kama M, Amaral S, Romani L, Whitfeld M, Francis JR, Vaz Nery S, Marks M, Kaldor JM, Steer AC, Engelman D. Estimation of scabies prevalence using simplified criteria and mapping procedures in three Pacific and southeast Asian countries. BMC Public Health. 2021 Nov 10;21(1):2060.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34758806/
4. Romani L, Whitfeld MJ, Koroivueta J, Kama M, Wand H, Tikoduadua L, et al. Mass Drug Administration for Scabies Control in a Population with Endemic Disease. The New England journal of medicine. 2015;373(24):2305-13. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1500987

WHO’s work on Neglected Tropical Diseases

Recognizing neglected tropical diseases through changes on the skin: a training guide for front-line health workers

Dracunculosis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Disease Overview

Dracunculosis is an infection caused by a parasitic worm known as Dracunculus medinensis, the guinea worm. Infected water fleas release the larvae of the worm into drinking water. Ingestion of contaminated water causes the larvae to migrate from the intestines via the abdominal cavity to the tissue under the skin. The larvae mature and release a toxic substance that makes the overlying skin ulcerate. After treatment, symptoms disappear and the worms can be safely removed from the skin.

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Synonyms

• Dracontiasis
• Dracunculiasis
• Fiery Serpent Infection
• Guinea Worm Infection
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Signs & Symptoms

Dracunculosis is characterized by chronic skin ulcers. Tissue under the skin is infiltrated by developing larvae of the parasitic worm known as Dracunculus medinensis, or Guinea worm. A female worm ready to release larvae produces stinging elevated spots (papules), causing redness and itching of the skin. These symptoms may be an allergic reaction to the parasite. The spots form blisters and later rupture, developing into painful ulcers. Multiple ulcers (usually on the legs) are common. Without treatment, the worms are absorbed or protrude from the skin over a period of several weeks.

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Causes

The cause of dracunculosis is the consumption of water contaminated by the larvae of the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis, which live in an intermediate host in the water. The larvae are released from the intermediate host while in the stomach, where they mate and grow. This stage lasts for as long as a year. The female apparently survives this process and may grow to three feet in length. The symptoms and characteristic ulcers and infections occur when the female moves from the stomach or intestine to tissues under the skin.

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Affected populations

In 1986, there were approximately 3.2 million cases of dracunculosis worldwide. However, due to the efforts of several national and international organizations in cooperation with local governments, the incidence of the disease has significantly decreased. According to current estimates, there are now fewer than 100,000 cases of dracunculosis worldwide, with the remaining cases primarily occurring in Sudan and certain countries in West Africa, such as Nigeria and Niger.

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Diagnosis

In individuals with dracunculosis, the condition is diagnosed based upon characteristic symptoms (e.g., fever, pain, and blistering and ulceration of the affected area) in association with the emergence of the adult worm through the individual’s skin.

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Standard Therapies

Treatment

The administration of certain medications that are destructive to worms (antihelmintic therapy), such as metronidazole or thiabendazole, may help to alleviate associated symptoms. However, the effectiveness of such agents against the guinea worm’s activity has not been demonstrated.

In most cases, once the worm begins to emerge, it may be gradually extracted by a few centimeters daily through winding of a small stick. Complete removal of the worm usually takes from weeks to months. In some cases, the worm may be surgically removed.

Boiling, appropriate chemical treatment, and filtering of contaminated drinking water may help to prevent transmission of dracunculosis.

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Clinical Trials and Studies

Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.

For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:

Tollfree: (800) 411-1222

TTY: (866) 411-1010

Email: [email protected]

For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:

www.centerwatch.com

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References

TEXTBOOKS

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th Ed.: Anthony S. Fauci et al., Eds.: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1998. Pp. 1216-17.

ARTICLES

The Comparative Study of Patterns of Guinea Worm Prevalence as a Guide to Control Strategies. S.J. Watts et al.; Soc Sci Med (1986; 23(10)). Pp. 975-82.

Controlled Comparative Trial of Thiabendazole and Metronidazole in the Treatment of Dracontiasis. O.O. Kale et al.; Ann Trop Med Parasitol (April 1983; 77(2)). Pp. 151-57.

Studies on Immunodiagnosis of Dracunculiasis. I. Detection of Specific Serum Antibodies. P. Bloch et al.; Acta Trop (Jun 15 1998 ;70(1)). Pp. 73-86.

Guinea Worm Disease – A Chance for Successful Eradication in the Volta Region, Ghana. S.K. Diamenu et al.; Soc Sci Med (Aug 1998; 47(3)). Pp. 405-10.

Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases – An Overview of Recent Changes. D.H. Molyneux; Int J Parasitol (Jun 1998; 28(6)). Pp. 927-34.

Candidate Parasitic Diseases. K. Behbehani; Bull World Health Organ (1998; 76 (Suppl 2)). Pp. 64-67.

Perspective from the Dracunculiasis Eradication Programme. D.R. Hopkins et al.; Bull World Health Organ (1998; 76 (Suppl 2)). Pp. 38-41.

Dracunculiasis in Cameroon at the Threshold of Elimination. A. Sam-Abbenyi et al.; Int J Epidemiol (Feb 1999; 28(1)). Pp. 163-68.

FROM THE INTERNET

eMedicine – Dracunculiasis : Article by Shuvo Ghosh, MD

www. emedicine.com/ped/topic616.htm

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The largest and most dangerous worms in humans

The human body is constantly exposed to dangers from the outside. This is a different type of disease, infection and so on. One of the most common, serious problems are parasites. They enter the body completely unnoticed, the consequences can be very serious. It is important to know which parasites in the human body are the most dangerous, which threats to health are caused by them. You can see the parasites in detail in the photo.

Different worms live all over the world, all are divided according to the method of transmission, type. Parasitic worms are transmitted to humans mainly in the following ways:

• infected person;
• animals;
• soil, food, water;
• insect bites.

Worms are divided into several types:

• flukes;
• round;
• tape.

Worms are a very large class of parasitic worms that live in plants, animals, and humans. They can live in hollow organs, the thickness of tissues, the tissues themselves.

Top 10 most dangerous parasites in the human body

1. Schistosomes are dangerous parasites from tropical waters.
2. Rishta is a worm that lives under human skin.
3. Filaria are dangerous parasites of elephantiasis.
4. Echinococcus – dangerous larvae in the body.
5. Vandellia mustachioed – parasitic fish.
6. Roundworms are well-known worms.
7. Tapeworm is a very large and long tapeworm.
8. Hookworm – a small harmful worm.
9. Wide tapeworm – a danger to the human intestines.
10. Pork tapeworm is a dangerous disease.

Schistosomes – living in the venous blood

The second name of the parasite is the blood fluke. Infection occurs through the skin, contact with contaminated water. The disease caused by schistosomes is called schistosomiasis. They differ from other helminths in their habitat: they live, multiply in the venous system. Most common in South America, Africa, the Middle East, southeast Asia. They are not large in size, length 2.6 cm, diameter 0.6 mm, which can be clearly seen in the photo. A person understands that he is infected with the following symptoms:

• intestinal disorder;
• enlarged lymph nodes, spleen.

But the symptoms are different, it all depends on the place of the body where the schistosomes have accumulated:

• nervous system – disorientation, memory loss, headache;
• bladder – inflammation of the organ, blood in the urine, abdominal pain;
• liver – ascites, enlarged organ, spleen;
• intestines – diarrhea, polyps.

Schistosomes are a dangerous parasite in human blood

Worm eggs are very dangerous, they pierce, damage the walls of the lymphatic, blood vessels of various organs and tissues. In this way, parasites can even enter the uterus, lungs, prostate, and stomach. Worms, eggs clog blood vessels, which leads to the formation of varicose veins, tumors, cysts. Helminths of this species can lead to serious problems up to cancer of the bladder, liver, prostate, liver fibrosis. To avoid infection with the most dangerous parasites of the human body, it is very important to avoid swimming in tropical waters, wash vegetables, fruits, and hands well before eating. Schistosomiasis can be cured conservatively if treatment is started on time. In case of complications, operations are performed.

Guinea worm – subcutaneous worm

Guinea worm – an illness caused by this type of parasite in the human body. Infection occurs through the dirty water of tropical reservoirs in Asia and Africa. Humans are usually infected, but dogs have been infected.

The worm enters the human body when swallowing contaminated water, where copepods live – carriers of guinea guinea worm larvae. Treatment is by surgery only. Secondary infection of already wounded skin is very dangerous.

Rishta – the most dangerous worm under the skin

Once in the body, the guinea pig literally gnaws through tissues, intestinal walls, lives in the lymphatic vessels, subcutaneous fat. In length, the worm can grow large, up to 80 centimeters. In the areas of the body where the guinea pigs are located, strong abscesses appear, parasites can be found inside them. The disease is caused only by females, males die after mating. When the infected skin area comes into contact with water, the female worm comes out a short distance, throws its larvae into the water. These larvae must be caught by copepods in order to survive.

Filaria is a very dangerous parasite for the body

Another name for the worm is threadworm. Of all the species, about 10 prefer humans, leading to filariasis. They were called filamentous because of their appearance, the worms are very thin, like a thread, you can see this in the photo. 0.3 cm in diameter, but grow large in length, up to 50 cm or more. Having struck the body, they live in the subcutaneous tissue, body cavity, heart, blood, lymphatic vessels, any part of the body. Very common in hot countries.

Filaria is a dangerous worm that looks like threads

Transmitted through blood-sucking insects, sometimes ticks, which in turn become infected through the blood of an infected animal, human. The danger lies in the fact that it is possible to detect the most terrible worms when the disease has become chronic, it is almost impossible to cure it. Accumulating, filariae block the lymphatic system, clog blood vessels, causing elephantiasis. The patient’s legs become large, they swell excessively, up to the inability to move, there are many photos of people on the Internet with such a disease.

Echinococcus is a great danger to humans and animals

This tapeworm lives in the intestines of dogs, wolves, rarely cats, and can easily be transmitted to humans. Echinococcus larvae are one of the most dangerous, causing echinococcosis. An adult worm is 3 to 5 mm long; in the photo describing the parasite, it is clearly seen that it has a head with suckers, hooks, and segments. Canine eggs leave the body with feces, sometimes getting on the coat.

Echinococcus is one of the most dangerous parasites for humans

Infection is also possible through livestock. Infection occurs in humans through the mouth, eating infected meat, dog saliva. The larvae penetrate further into the body, through the blood they enter the liver, where they live and multiply. Rarely get into the bones, muscles, lungs. Developing, echinococci turn into large blisters the size of a child’s head. Depending on the neglect of the disease, treatment is carried out with drugs or surgically, by removing the tissues of the organ along with the blisters of the larvae.

Vandellia mustachioed – the smallest and most terrible

In general, this creature belongs to fish, but is one of the most dangerous for the body. People are afraid of her because while bathing, an almost transparent small creature 15 cm long can easily penetrate the urethra, genitals, and anus. Then vandellia is attached to the vessels, feeds on blood. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of the parasite is through surgery.

Wandellia mustache – a dangerous parasitic fish

Ascaris – the most famous worm of the human body

The parasite is quite widespread, often found in the human body. If the eggs of a human roundworm fall into the soil, they can be stored there for almost a year until they switch to a favorable environment. In the body, it releases toxins that affect the liver and lungs. Ascaris does not stop in one place, constantly travels through the body, affects blood vessels, causes inflammation.

Ascaris is the most common parasite of the human body

The main place of life of the most harmful worm is the intestines, where the parasites live comfortably, eating the food that the infected person eats. They can pass into the pancreas, bile, liver, reach the esophagus, block breathing. One roundworm lays up to 1000 eggs per day. Grow in length quite large, up to 30 cm.

Tapeworm is the largest and most dangerous worm

This very large parasite lives in the small intestine, photos of the tapeworm are simply amazing. The body of the tapeworm consists of a head with suckers, a large number of segments, of which there are from 2,000 to 5,000. The length of the worm constantly increases with growth, up to 10 meters. In the human body, without treatment, it can live up to 20 years. It produces about 600 million eggs per year, up to 11 billion per life cycle.

Bull tapeworm is a very large parasite

Lives only in the small intestine of an animal, a person. An intermediate host through which a person becomes infected is cattle. Infection occurs through poorly processed, cooked or raw meat, milk, fish, through contact with domestic animals.

Hookworm – a harmful, dangerous worm

The worm is very common in East Asia, Africa, causes hookworm disease. The parasite lives in the human duodenum, does not grow large, a maximum of 14 mm. Infection occurs through dirty hands, vegetables, fruits, even through the skin while working with the soil, when walking barefoot on the grass, the larvae penetrate the skin.

Hookworm – a great danger to the body

Once in the body, it penetrates into the blood vessels, from there it goes to the liver, heart, lungs. Hookworm leads to serious complications, in particular hepatitis, ulcers.

Broad tapeworm is a dangerous parasite with a large long body

Infection with this worm occurs through fish if a person has eaten raw, poorly cooked fish, raw pike caviar or has been processing infected fish and seafood. A dangerous tapeworm grows up to 15 meters in length, it is very large, the body consists of a large number of segments – up to 4,000, there are suckers on the head that attach the worm to the intestines. Looking at the photo of the worm, one simply cannot believe that it can live inside a person. The development of the larva occurs in just a month. A wide tapeworm leads to a serious illness – diphyllobothriasis.

Wide tapeworm is the most dangerous and the largest worm transmitted through fish

The patient has severe beriberi, because the worm feeds on all the beneficial substances of the body. Its entire large body absorbs substances with its surface. In the place where the tapeworm stuck, necrosis begins. The most dangerous tapeworm can live in the human body for up to 10 years.

Pork tapeworm – a very harmful worm of the human body

You can confuse this worm with a bovine tapeworm, but it does not grow as large, a maximum of 3 meters in length. There are also fewer segments on the body, up to 1,000. On the head of the worm there are suckers, a proboscis with hooks. Thus, tapeworm is attached to the walls of the intestine. It takes root in the body of pigs, rabbits, hares, dogs, camels, through which it gets to a person – the final owner. Infection is permissible through the use of raw fat, meat. It is very dangerous to get eggs into the human body, as it becomes an intermediate host, the Finns stage occurs in it, which often leads to the most serious illnesses, death.

Pork tapeworm – a dangerous parasite in meat

Helminth causes diseases of cysticercosis, taeniasis. If there are a lot of parasites, they clog the intestines, as a result, the patient needs to be operated urgently. They can pierce the intestinal walls, get into the lymphatic vessels, get into the internal organs. Complications of diseases lead to damage to the subcutaneous tissue, muscles, skin, spinal cord, brain, bones, internal organs. The most important thing is to carry out prevention, carefully process the meat before eating. A person must observe personal hygiene, prevention of helminthiasis.

10 most terrible parasites that can live in the human body » BigPicture.ru

Everyone has heard about the terrible diseases that are carried by mosquitoes and other parasites, such as malaria, but not everyone knows that right now they can already live inside us. Scary? Parasites, namely worms and beetles, are living beings that crawl freely inside the human body. The worst thing is that they can live inside a person for years and decades and not make themselves felt.

Negleria Fowler

Damaged Brain

Zombies are mindless creatures that feed on the human brain. Negleria Fowler behaves exactly the same, she also eats the brain and affects the nervous system. Symptoms associated with the presence of this parasite include headache, nausea, vomiting, and even death. This is a very rare parasite, only about a thousand cases of infection with it are known in the world. The source of infection is warm water bodies, so swim carefully.

Onchocerciasis

Blindness

Filaria onchocerciasis is a worm, a helminth that causes blindness in humans. There is a great chance of contracting it in uncivilized regions. The parasite only infects the human cornea, causing river blindness. Human immunity is not able to recognize the parasite, so blindness is inevitable.

Bancroft Filaria

Elephantiasis

This parasite is very often called the elephant parasite, not because it is huge, but because it disfigures the human body outwardly. After entering the human body, filaria behaves in the same way as other parasites. A year later, the worm becomes an adult and enters the lymphatic system, which controls the outflow of fluid from the body. When an adult worm with “comrades” blocks the drainage channels, the fluid does not drain, it accumulates, as a result, the limb becomes like an elephant’s leg.

loa loa

“Loa loa” is more like the name of a cocktail on a tropical beach on an exotic island. But in fact, it is a parasite that can be infected by insect bites. The larva penetrates through the bite into the human body, lives in the area of ​​​​the bite for some time, causing inflammation and pain. Over time, the worm grows and can penetrate the eye, the person will even feel how he moves there. The worm can live in the body for up to 17 years.

Gadfly

Parasitic gadfly

Gadfly is capable of laying eggs in the human body. If the gadfly has chosen someone as a victim, then he will bear thousands of larvae that hatch from eggs. The larva, in order to grow, will eat everything that it finds around, that is, flesh, as a result, a hole is formed on the skin, and the person will feel how the larva moves under the skin. To remove the parasite or eggs, you will need the help of a surgeon.

Rishta

When a person swims or bathes in unfiltered water, a water flea may be swallowed. These fleas love polluted lakes and ponds where they sit and wait for their prey. When they enter the stomach, the gastric juice dissolves the flea, but the guinea worm that was inside the flea (Dracunculiasis) passes on. A year later, the worm already reaches a length of 60-90 cm. The human body becomes small for him, and he tries to get out of it to the surface. The body begins to burn, there is a desire to plunge into cold water to get rid of burning and pain. But this is what the worm needs! He releases thousands of his larvae into the water, while he himself remains in the body.

Common vandellia – vampire fish

Both parents and authorities always remind you that you cannot write in a river, lake or pool. Now, for sure, no one will do this after reading about the usual vandellia. This is a very small fish that lives in the Amazon and enters the bladder during urination. In the body, it feeds on blood and flesh, causing severe pain.

Ascaris

Ascaris, an annelids, can grow up to 30 cm in length in humans. It is easy to get infected in rural areas. Her residence inside is not accompanied by any symptoms until the number of worms reaches a maximum. If this happens, then headaches, fever, nausea, diarrhea, etc. will torment you. In general, roundworm affects children more often than adults, as they wash their hands less often.

Scabies itch

Scabies

Scabies causes itching and red spots on the skin. This small parasite burrows into the host’s skin, where it reproduces; feeds on blood. Ticks can affect any area of ​​the skin, but are most often found on the back of the hands, in the interdigital spaces, armpits, and perineum.

Lentets

Lentets is the most terrible parasite, if I may say so.