What is helminthic infection?

Soil-transmitted helminth infections are caused by different species of parasitic worms. They are transmitted by eggs present in human faeces, which contaminate the soil in areas where sanitation is poor. Infected children are nutritionally and physically impaired.

Which is an example of a helminthic disease?

Hookworm, Ascaris, and whipworm are known as soil-transmitted helminths (parasitic worms). Together, they account for a major burden of disease worldwide. An estimated 807-1,221 million people in the world are infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (sometimes called just “Ascaris”).

How are helminthic infections transmitted?

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection, commonly referred to as intestinal worms, generally affects the poorest communities. Transmission occurs when eggs of the parasite are present in human feces and then contaminate the soil in areas with deficient sanitation systems.

What are 3 examples of Helminthic infections that we can see in humans and dogs?

Some of the most important and well-known human zoonoses are caused by worm or helminth parasites, including species of nematodes (trichinellosis), cestodes (cysticercosis, echinococcosis) and trematodes (schistosomiasis).

How this Helminthic infection can be prevented?

The global strategy for the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis is based on (i) regular anthelminthic treatment, (ii) health education, (iii) sanitation and personal hygiene and (iv) other means of prevention with vaccines and remote sensoring.

How are Helminthic diseases usually transmitted to humans?

Helminths are transmitted to humans in many different ways (Fig. 87-1). The simplest is by accidental ingestion of infective eggs (Ascaris, Echinococcus, Enterobius, Trichuris) or larvae (some hookworms). Other worms have larvae that actively penetrate the skin (hookworms, schistosomes, Strongyloides).

What are the causes of Helminthic zoonosis?

Zoonotic infections of humans are caused by a wide variety of agents including bacteria (e.g. brucellosis and salmonellosis), viruses (e.g. avian influenza and rabies), parasites (e.g. leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis) and other ‘unconventional’ agents such as prions (e.g. bovine spongiform encephalopathy and variant …

Can helminths cause human infections?

The parasitic helminths have co-evolved with specific mammalian and other host species. Accordingly, most helminthic infections are restricted to nonhuman hosts, and only rarely do these zoonotic helminths accidentally cause human infections.

Which tests are performed in the workup of helminth infection?

As with other helminths, direct examination of the stool is important in diagnosis. Ideally, this should be continued over seven days. Serological testing, including antigen testing, is also available. These can be limited by cross-reactions with other similar parasites and by the inability to distinguish current from resolved infection.

What is the prognosis of helminthiasis?

Prognosis of helminthiasis depends on the extent of helminth infection. If the worm burden is high, ascariasis may produce some serious complications such as intestinal obstruction. Strongyloidiasis carries a good prognosis, although hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated strongyloidiasis carry a high mortality rate.

What is a helminthic worm?

The word helminth is derived from the Greek helmins (“parasitic worm”). Helminthic worms are highly prevalent and, depending on the species, may exist as free-living organisms or as parasites of plant or animal hosts. The parasitic helminths have co-evolved with specific mammalian and other host species.