Roundworm Eggs: Identification, Risks & Prevention

In the United States alone there have been over 4 million cases of roundworm infection reported at any one time. In warmer climates, these infections are common when infected animal feces contaminate soil.

Facts

• There are several types of parasitic roundworm infections such as hookworm, pinworm, whipworm, and the most common intestinal roundworm is ascariasis.

Background

• A group of animals without backbones with round, long bodies are called roundworms, also known as nematodes, infect cats, dogs and humans.

Size

• Roundworm eggs range in size from several hundredths of an inch (microscopic) to 3 to 4 inches long and can be seen by the naked eye.

Symptoms

• There are no symptoms in most cases; however, if symptoms occur they may include bloody sputum, passing worms in stool, vomiting worms, stomach pain, shortness of breath, signs of malnutrition and coughing.

Treatment

• Medications such as albendazole or mebendazole are used for treatment to paralyze and kill parasitic worms. In rare cases, surgery may be needed if the intestines are blocked by worms.