worm in the loo!

[mormess]

I just found a long, thin worm in the bottom of the loo, wriggling around (in an otherwise clean loo!). Where on earth could it have come from? I'm hoping that it somehow came from the pipe system, and not from me or my housemate! I just recovered from what I thought was piles, but now I'm not so sure...

[Miss Zippy]

If you haven't already tried, do a search in Google, typing in 'human parasitic infection' and a plethora of information (and photos!) on the subject becomes available. Apparently thread worms are fairly common in humans - see web.ukonline.co.uk/ruth.livingstone/little/thread.htm - though the photo isn't for those of a queasy disposition! Seriously though, if you think you or your housemate could have some kind of infection (have you eaten anything dodgy recently or visited anywhere intrepid where such infections are widespread?) go and see your GP. You may also need to warn friends/ family with whom you've come into close contact with as it seems the eggs of many of these parasites can be easily transferred if you are not scrupulously hygienic after going to the loo.

[WendyW]

Its unlikely to be a thread worm as they are tiny but it could be a tapeworm.

[mormess]

Thanks for the suggestion. I think we're clean, haven't done anything dodgy. Is there any way it could have come up the pipes??

[katiesara]

I once found a rat in my (very clean) toilet, the pest extermination man told me they travel around in the pipes, so I'm sure a worm could too! (and I now never go to the toilet without checking first!!!)