The schistosomiasis worm is a dangerous parasite that can increase the risk of HIV/AIDS infection. Researchers believe this common worm may be responsible for the high rates of HIV infections in women in Africa because of the worm's behavior in the female body. When women do laundry in the waterways, the worm makes it way up the vaginal canal and creates small sores inside, which open the way for HIV infection. The parasite infection can be cured with a pill that costs 8 cents.