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Roundworm Diseases -
This is commonly caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, the largest of intestinal nematodes. Tropical and subtropical areas are the common foci of this disease. The nematode is like an earthworm. The female is over a foot long and the male somewhat smaller with a curled tail. Heavy infection may cause intestinal obstruction due to presence of tightly compacted masses of the parasite.

The female is a prolific egg producer, sometimes producing 200,000 per day. After fertilisation the eggs are excreted to soil where they hatch to larvae. These attach to plants from which are again ingest, In many parts of the world human feces night soil is used as a fertiliser to vegetables. This helps in the Spread of the parasite. Water pollution from the soil and contact with contaminated fingers are other ways of transmission. Roundworms larvae may also pass from intestine to other parts of the body. They may be passed to lungs causing a pneumonia like disorder.