Monsters Inside Me
Baylisascaris Infection, aka Raccoon Roundworm Infection
Caused by the Baylisascaris procyonis roundworm.
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The Parasite Baylisascaris procyonis, or raccoon roundworm, is a parasitic roundworm carried primarily by raccoons. Its life cycle starts inside the raccoon's gut when an adult worm lays its eggs in the intestines. The eggs are passed to the outside world in the raccoon's feces; they can lie dormant in the soil for years, waiting to be ingested by an intermediate host — usually rodents, rabbits and birds.
The host's stomach acid activates the eggs, causing them to hatch. The larvae burrow through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. They travel through the body, bursting out of blood vessels and attacking internal organs. On rare occasions they attack the central nervous system, killing the host, which is then eaten by the raccoon, beginning the life cycle anew. Raccoons are immune to the parasite. It's estimated that 80 percent of them are carriers of Baylisascaris procyonis.
The Infection: Baylisascaris infection, also called raccoon roundworm infection, is an extremely rare disease that typically affects young children (who pick up and ingest raccoon feces). In rare cases, the larvae will break through the brain's defenses and begin eating the tissue from the inside out (as seen above). Initial symptoms can include excessive sleeping and high white blood cell count. Depending on which part of the brain is affected first, loss of balance and even vision loss (if the parasite attacks the visual cortex) can follow next. The result is severe and permanent brain damage, even death. There have been no known full recoveries from this infection.
Treatment: Albendezol, a powerful anti-parasitic drug, can impair the worm's intestines, starving it to death.
Prevention: Keeping a watchful eye on young children crawling through the grass near wooded areas where raccoons live.
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Featured in Sleeper Cells, Episode 1 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Wednesday, July 1, 9 PM e/p
Nearly impossible to detect, these killers lie dormant, waiting for the right time to strike. Highlighting Baylisascaris infection, aka raccoon roundworm infection; lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis, aka snail fever.
 Check out the Baylisascaris parasite in action.
 Download a wallpaper-sized Baylisascaris picture.
Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
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  Rate Disgusting Parasite Habits: From blood-sucking to brain-eating, rate revolting parasite habits on a scale from "gross" (0) to "I think I'm going to vomit" (10).
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 Parasite Pictures and Wallpaper: See detailed, computer-generated images of parasites in our bodies, and download your favorites to your desktop!
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