Parasitic worms or helminths are worm-like organisms that live and feed off of a living host recieving nourishment and protection while distrupting its host's nutrient absorption, causing weakness and disease. Parasitic worms' sizes can range from a quarter of an inch (ex.pinworms) to 30 feet (ex.tapeworms)

Reproduction

Parasitic worms reproduce depending on the species of worm, either with the prescence of a male and female worm, joining sperm and eggs, producing fertile eggs (ex.hookworms), or by breaking off segments that contain both male and female sex organs which are able to produce fertile eggs without the prescence of male or female. (ex. tapeworms) All worm offspring are passed on through poorly cooked meat, (especially pork, wild fish, and beef) contaminated water, faeces, mosquitoes and, in general, areas of poor hygiene and food regulation standards such as Africa, Central and south America and Asia. worm eggs enter the human body through the mouth, anus and nose with most species attaching themselves to the intestinal tract. With The prescence of digestive enzymes, worm egg shells are dissolved releasing a brand new worm; unlike its egg shell, the parasitic worm is not harmed by the body's powerful digestive enzymes by producing a protective Keratin layer.

Parasites