This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Nguyễn Đình Hùng – Department of Diagnostic Imaging – Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Parasitic worm infections are common worldwide. If left untreated, they can progress to severe conditions such as appendicitis, peritonitis, and hypoproteinemia. Ultrasound is considered the most effective imaging technique for detecting parasitic worms in the early stages of infection.
1. Basic Information About Parasitic Worms in the Human Body
1.1. Ascaris lumbricoides (Roundworms)
These large worms parasitize the small intestine. Adult males can grow up to 17 cm, while adult females can reach 25 cm. Infection occurs when a person ingests roundworm eggs from soil contaminated with human feces. Direct transmission from person to person does not occur. Children are the most vulnerable group to roundworm infection.
1.2. Hookworms
Hookworms consist of Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, both of which parasitize humans and share similar biological characteristics, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Infection occurs through skin contact, such as through the spaces between fingers and toes, allowing larvae to enter the bloodstream, heart, and lungs. Another route of infection is ingestion of contaminated food or water containing hookworm larvae.
1.3. Trichuris trichiura (Whipworms)
Most whipworm infections are asymptomatic. However, some cases may present symptoms resembling dysentery, such as abdominal pain in the colon, frequent bowel movements, and mucus or blood in the stool. Whipworm eggs are present in contaminated feces, and people become infected by consuming food or water containing matured whipworm larvae.
1.4. Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworms)
Pinworms are white and have a slightly swollen head with a ridged shell. Infected children may visibly observe pinworms around the anus, especially during bowel movements with firm stools. Pinworm infection occurs through ingestion, typically when children scratch their anus and then touch food, or put their hands in their mouths.
1.5. Lymphatic Filariasis (Filarial Worms)
Lymphatic filariasis is common in hot and humid climates and requires two hosts for transmission: humans and mosquitoes. The disease has an incubation period of 6 months to 1 year and is mostly asymptomatic. Everyone is at risk of infection, with mosquito bites being the sole mode of transmission.
1.6. Trichinella spiralis (Trichina Worms)
Trichina larvae encyst within muscle tissue and are surrounded by a protective capsule. The capsule's characteristics vary depending on the host species. Infection occurs primarily through consumption of undercooked meat, such as raw pork blood pudding or improperly cooked pork.
1.7. Strongyloides stercoralis (Threadworms)
Threadworm larvae typically develop in the small intestine and are found in warm climates, with some cases reported in temperate regions. The primary host is humans, but infections have also been found in monkeys, dogs, and apes. Infection occurs through skin or mucosal contact, and in some cases, autoinfection occurs when larvae remain in the anus, develop into infectious larvae, and reinfect the host.
2. Health Impacts of Parasitic Worm Infections
- Parasitic worms absorb nutrients from the host’s food intake. The more worms present, the greater the nutritional deficiency, negatively affecting overall health. Some worms feed on blood, leading to severe anemia.
- Worm secretions can metabolize into toxins, causing nausea, loss of appetite, and insomnia.
- Hookworms and whipworms can cause mechanical damage, such as intestinal ulcers, while roundworms can lead to intestinal obstruction and bile duct blockage.
- Worm infections can trigger allergic reactions, and in severe cases, they may cause edema (swelling).
3. The Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosing Parasitic Worms
Several imaging techniques are used to diagnose worm infections, including ultrasound, X-ray, and CT scans. However, ultrasound is the preferred method for early-stage detection, while X-rays and CT scans are typically used in advanced cases, as they are more expensive. Ultrasound is regarded as a safe and highly accurate diagnostic method and is primarily used for conditions such as liver fluke infections, dog tapeworm infections, amebic hepatitis, and roundworms in the bile duct. Additionally, ultrasound is cost-effective and can be included in routine health checkups. Ultrasound is also valuable for monitoring treatment progress, detecting small or early-stage lesions without clinical symptoms, especially in the liver. It serves as a low-cost, safe, and practical method for post-treatment follow-up.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health recommend regular deworming checkups every 6 to 12 months, especially for children. Ultrasound is the most common diagnostic tool for this purpose. In more severe cases, advanced methods like ELISA serology tests may be used.
Regular health screenings help detect infections early, allowing for timely treatment planning and optimal recovery outcomes.
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