Some Black Worms Can Live in the Human Body

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Today, we answer an inquiry from a gentleman asking if black worms live in the human body. The answer depends on what he is referring to with the words “black worm.”

If he is referring to the typical black worm found in North America and Europe, the Lumbriculus variegates (also known as a California Blackworm or a mudworm) then the answer is no (thank goodness!). Lumbriculus variegates live primarily in shallow water such as in marshes or swamps. Luckily, they would not find a human body very hospitable. You can buy Lumbriculus variegates to feed your fish.

Lumbriculus variegates (via Wikipedia Commons)
Lumbriculus variegates (via Wikipedia Commons)

However, the reader may be not be asking about the common black worm, and may instead be asking if any worms that happen to be black in color can live within the human body. In that case, the answer is yes. The human body may be host to any number of unpleasant creatures and some of these creatures are, indeed, black worms.

Take, for example, the “eye worms” Loa Loa and Mansonella perstans. The larvae of these human parasites may live in the eye and, in fact, may sometimes be seen travelling across it. Symptoms may include swelling in the hands and feet, but many people show no symptoms at all. A blood test helps correctly diagnose which parasite is present. Loa Loa and Mansonella perstans are spread by deer fly or mango fly bites, and are found primarily in Western and Central Africa.

Larvae of Mansonella perstans (left) and Loa Loa (right) in eye of Cambodian patient (via Wikipedia Commons)
Larvae of Mansonella perstans (left) and Loa Loa (right) in eye of Cambodian patient (via Wikipedia Commons)

Other parasitic species, such as the Schistosoma or blood fluke, are quite happy to live inside the human colon. Symptoms include rash and gastrointestinal issues. This parasite is common in areas with unclean drinking water (specifically, in locations where human waste may contaminate the water supply) and are not typically found in the US.

Schistosoma or blood fluke. Photo by David Williams (via Wikimedia Commons)
Schistosoma or blood fluke. Photo by David Williams (via Wikimedia Commons)

These are just three common examples, but there are many, many types of worms that may infect a human host. In every case, if you suspect that you or anyone else is infested with worms, a trip to the doctor is absolutely necessary.

 

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Some Black Worms Can Live in the Human Body
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Some Black Worms Can Live in the Human Body
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Today, we answer an inquiry from a gentleman asking if black worms live in the human body. The answer depends on what he is referring to with the words “black worm.”
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1 thought on “Some Black Worms Can Live in the Human Body

  1. Can the Blackwood live under a cat’s skin. They move somewhat and these are located in the ears and around them sometimes the go around the eyes and attach themselves from the upper lid to the lower lid. They show a hair like very sharp needle on the opposite the host. They withdraw these when left alone. I really need help. I have seen three vets and they just tell me ears are like that normally.

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