Ascaris

From the
http://www.humaworm.com
website:

ASCARIS - is a round worm that lives in the small intestine. Adult female worms can grow to over 12 inches in length - adult males are smaller. Ascariasis is the most common human worm infection - children are infected more often than adults. Most people have no symptoms that are noticeable, but infection in children may cause slower growth and slower weight gain. If you are heavily infected, you may have abdominal pain. Sometimes, while the immature worms migrate through the lungs, you may cough and have difficulty breathing. If you have a very heavy worm infection, your intestines may become blocked. You may cough up an ascaris larvae or pass an adult worm in your stool. Ascaris eggs are found in human feces. After feces contaminates the soil, the eggs become infectious after a few weeks. Infection occurs when a person accidentally ingests (swallows) infectious microscopic Ascaris eggs. Once in the stomach, immature worms hatch from the eggs. The larvae are carried through the lungs and then to the throat where they are swallowed. Once swallowed, they reach the intestines and develop into adult worms. Adult female worms lay eggs that are then passed in feces; this cycle will take between 2-3 months.

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