Biology/black worm in toilet
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Question
My family and I live in Africa. Last night I found a black worm in my toilet. It
was about 3 inches long but very thin. Do you think it could have come from
the feces of someone in my family? I have read that there are black worms
that can burrow themselves in the walls of the colon. If someone in my
family has this, how would we diagnose it and treat it? Do you think it would
show up in a stool sample (in an African clinic)? Thanks!
Hi Stacy: There's no way I can tell what kind of worm it is without looking at it. You should take it to your local clinic if you're worried.
As to whether your family members may be infected ask if anyone has any symptoms. Blood in the stool, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss for example.
Any good clinic can diagnose and treat a worm infection, particularly if it is common in your area.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
FM Rollwagen, PhD
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Answers by Expert:
Florence M Rollwagen
Expertise
I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.
Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology
Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966
MS biology 1968
PhD immunology 1979
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