Acanthocephaliasis is a human disease caused by

parasitic Parasitism is a close relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives (at least some of the time) on or inside another organism, the host, causing it some harm, and is adapted structurally to this way of life. The ent ...

worms in the phylum

Acanthocephala Acanthocephala ( Greek , ' 'thorn' + , ' 'head') is a group of parasitic worms known as acanthocephalans, thorny-headed worms, or spiny-headed worms, characterized by the presence of an eversible proboscis, armed with spines, which it uses t ...

. They rarely infect humans. The worms' typical definitive hosts are racoons, rats, and swine, but it can survive in humans. ''

Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus ''Macracanthorhynchus'', also known as the giant thorny-headed worm of swine, is a member of the Oligacanthorhynchidae which contains four species. Taxonomy Phylogenetic analysis has been conducted on at least one of the four species in the gen ...

'', ''

Macracanthorhynchus ingens ''Macracanthorhynchus'', also known as the giant thorny-headed worm of swine, is a member of the Oligacanthorhynchidae which contains four species. Taxonomy Phylogenetic analysis has been conducted on at least one of the four species in the gen ...

'', ''

Moniliformis moniliformis ''Moniliformis moniliformis'' is a parasite of the Acanthocephala phylum in the family Moniliformidae. The adult worms are usually found in intestines of rodents or carnivores such as cats and dogs. The species can also infest humans, though thi ...

'', ''Acanthocephalus rauschi'', ''Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis'', and ''Corynosoma strumosum'' are the species commonly found in humans. It is acquired through consuming raw

beetle Beetles are insects that form the Taxonomic rank, order Coleoptera (), in the superorder Holometabola. Their front pair of wings are hardened into wing-cases, elytra, distinguishing them from most other insects. The Coleoptera, with about 40 ...

s or

cockroach Cockroaches (or roaches) are insects belonging to the Order (biology), order Blattodea (Blattaria). About 30 cockroach species out of 4,600 are associated with human habitats. Some species are well-known Pest (organism), pests. Modern cockro ...

es, including the insect's larvae. The parasite is widely distributed, but cases tend to occur where insects are eaten commonly. Once ingested by a human, the worms will find their way to the intestine and mature. There are severe symptoms due to the mechanical disruption of the lumen.

Abdominal pain Abdominal pain, also known as a stomach ache, is a symptom associated with both non-serious and serious medical issues. Since the abdomen contains most of the body's vital organs, it can be an indicator of a wide variety of diseases. Given th ...

is common. Acanthocephaliasis can be diagnosed by the presence of eggs in the stool. There is no standardized treatment, but there has been some success with

pyrantel pamoate Pyrantel is a medication used to treat a number of parasitic worm infections. This includes ascariasis, hookworm infections, enterobiasis (pinworm infection), trichostrongyliasis, and trichinellosis. It is taken by mouth. Side effects inclu ...

levamisole Levamisole, sold under the brand name Ergamisol among others, is a medication used to treat parasitic worm infections, specifically ascariasis and hookworm infections. It is taken by mouth. Side effects may include abdominal pain, vomiting, ...

niclosamide Niclosamide, sold under the brand name Niclocide among others, is an anthelmintic medication used to treat tapeworm infestations, including diphyllobothriasis, hymenolepiasis, and taeniasis. It is not effective against other worms such as ...

mebendazole Mebendazole (MBZ), sold under the brand name Vermox among others, is a medication used to treat a number of parasitic worm infestations. This includes ascariasis, pinworm infection, hookworm infections, guinea worm infections and hydatid di ...

ivermectin Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug. After its discovery in 1975, its first uses were in veterinary medicine to prevent and treat heartworm and acariasis. Approved for human use in 1987, it is used to treat infestations including head lice ...

paracetamol Paracetamol, or acetaminophen, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. It is a widely available over-the-counter drug sold under various brand names, including Tylenol and Panadol. Parac ...

tiabendazole Tiabendazole (INN, BAN), also known as thiabendazole ( AAN, USAN) or TBZ and the trade names Mintezol, Tresaderm, and Arbotect, is a preservative, an antifungal agent, and an antiparasitic agent. Uses Preservative Tiabendazole is used pri ...

, and piperazine citrate. It is an uncommon condition, and literature on the topic in the field is sparse.Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases: General Field Procedures and Diseases of Birds. (1999). U S Geological Survey.

References

Acanthocephala Helminthiases {{microbiology-stub