According to a recent study from the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, parasitic worms that infect pets like dogs and cats are more likely to infect people.
Why Humans Might Get Infected with New Species of Parasitic Worms
The research also found three worm species that do not presently infect humans but have a 70% chance of doing so in the future, according to Phys.org.
Human closeness to pets is the main reason why humans may have parasitic worms, said Ania Majewska, lead author of the research and Odum School of Ecology PhD graduate.
Everyday activities like pet play and feeding raise the risk of parasite infection.
The WHO estimates that parasitic worms affect 1.5 billion individuals worldwide. Humans are infected by several of these parasites, producing devastating disorders including schistosomiasis.
The research looked at 737 parasitic worm species that infect wild and domesticated animals. 137 of these are known to be contagious.
The researchers constructed a machine learning algorithm to evaluate which attributes were most typically related with human transmission.
They discovered that worms that infect pets or fish are more likely to infect humans than other worms. Spreading parasites were more likely to cross from animals into humans.
Also Read: Experts Warn Pet Owners to be Vigilant of Hookworms, a Parasite Immune to All Treatments
Pet Exposure to Parasitic Worm
The research found three worm species that have not infect humans yet but could possibly do so in the future. They include: Paramphistomum cervi (flatworm), Schistocephalus solidus (tapworm), which infects birds and rodents; and Strongyloides papillosus (pinworm), which is seen in cattle and certain wild animals.
This is the first time these species have been recognized as potentially infective to people, indicating they need closer monitoring.
Parasitic worms may easily infect dogs and cats, especially if permitted to roam throughout the day.
Dogs might have helminths without people knowing, Majewska warned. Outdoor dogs and cats come into contact with wild animals, their faeces, and other helminth sources. But dogs and cats aren't the sole carriers.
Parasitic worms live in fish. Raw, undercooked, or badly prepared fish may readily infect people. Thousands of individuals are infected each year by the herring worm roundworm, mostly in Japan and parts of Europe where raw seafood is eaten.
Human Parasitic Worm Infections
Human parasitic worm infections have ancient beginnings and will always be connected, stated senior author and CEID director John Drake.
However, scientists predict human parasitic worm infections to rise due to climate change and rising demand for animal protein. More research is required to limit parasitic worm spillover to people.
Restricting access to contaminated places like sandboxes, pet "walk" areas, and other high-traffic locations may help lower the risk of parasitic infection to your family. Worm eggs may be eliminated from the environment by disposing of pet waste on a regular basis. This prevents them from being consumed by pets or people.
Related Article: Parasitic Worm That Can Grow Up to 3 Feet Inside Your Body is Transmitted by Dogs
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