Besides the intestine, worms can be found in many other locations in the body, including the heart, kidneys, urinary bladder, lungs, the skin, as well as many other tissues. The mechanical presence of worms allows bacterial infections to occur and can cause occlusion of organs. Worms can damage tissues by literally eating the surface of tissues that they contact. Parasites may produce anti-enzymatic substances that prevent digestion of food in the bowel. Worms can cause anemia- especially whip worms and hook worms.
Parasites can cause malnutrition by actually competing for food and nutrients in the bowel.
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