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Animal World

Sponges, Coelenterates, and Worms

What are the most common roundworm infections in humans in the United States?

Roundworm Means of Infection
Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) Contact with soil-based juveniles; common in southern states
Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) Inhalation of dust that contains ova and by contamination with fingers; most common worm parasite in United States
Intestinal roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) Ingestion of embryonated ova in contaminated food; common in rural Appalachia and southeastern states
Trichina worm (Trichinella spiralis) Ingestion of infected meat; occurs occasionally in humans throughout North America