A sewer worker from Spain developed a severe roundworm infection to the point doctors could see the larvae crawling under his skin.
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In a report by the New England Journal of Medicine, the 64-year-old patient started to experience symptoms of diarrhea and itching all over his body. After arriving at the University Hospital in Madrid, doctors diagnosed him with roundworm infection, and usually, this particular infection, Strongyloides stercorali, is asymptomatic.
Doctors also drew red outlines on the man’s body to determine if the roundworms were moving around his body over a 24-hour period, as reported by Oddity Central. They believe his profession as a sewer worker may have caused him to contract the infection. Additionally, the particular roundworm in his body lives in tropical and subtropical regions.
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Those infected with roundworm can be asymptomatic for years, but the male patient was administered hormone therapy for malignant spinal cord compression, which impacted his immune system. A large number of larvae in the patient’s body caused concern for doctors as it can lead to organ failure and sepsis. He was given a treatment of oral Ivermectin, and doctors said his symptoms have subsided since then.
Roundworm infections can be rare, but they can pose as a danger to humans and animals if left untreated.
To learn more about roundworms, here are some facts below:
- Roundworms, also known as nematodes, are one of the most diverse and abundant groups of animals on Earth. They can be found in almost every ecosystem, including freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats.
- Roundworms have a cylindrical body shape and are typically microscopic, but some species can grow up to several meters long. They have a tough outer cuticle that protects them from environmental conditions.
- Roundworms are known for their simple nervous system, which consists of a nerve ring and longitudinal nerve cords. They lack a circulatory system and rely on diffusion for oxygen and nutrient exchange.
- Roundworms are both free-living and parasitic. Some species are beneficial as they help decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients in the soil, while others can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans. For example, the human intestinal roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, is one of the most common parasitic worms in humans and can cause intestinal blockage and malnutrition.
- Roundworms have a unique reproductive system. They are usually dioecious, with separate male and female individuals, but some species can reproduce hermaphroditically, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. Roundworms can lay eggs, and their life cycles can be complex, involving multiple stages and hosts. Some species of roundworms can also undergo a process called dauer diapause, which is a type of developmental arrest in response to unfavorable environmental conditions. This allows them to survive in harsh conditions until conditions improve. Overall, roundworms are fascinating creatures with a wide range of ecological and biological adaptations.