Sand bodies or corpora arenacea (lat.) are nematodes (roundworms) that live in sand, soil and other sandy and clayey soils. They are parasites of plants and animals, and can also be carriers of dangerous diseases.
Sand bodies have a length of 0.1 to 1.5 mm and a body shape resembling a spindle or cylinder. They are covered with a dense shell of chitin, which protects them from external influences and allows them to easily move in the ground.
Living in sandy soils, sand bodies feed on organic matter and bacteria found in the soil. They can also feed on plant roots, causing them to wilt and die.
When ingested by an animal or human, sand bodies can cause various diseases, such as cysticercosis, echinococcosis and others. These diseases can manifest as abdominal pain, fever, cough and other symptoms.
To prevent infection with sand bodies, it is necessary to maintain good hygiene and not eat raw or poorly processed food. Contact with soil and sand should also be avoided, especially in areas where sand bodies may be present.