Helminthes and Parasites

Soil transmitted helminthes (STHs)are group of multicellular parasites belonging to a family of nematode (worms)which are pathogenic in nature and are known to causeinfections for human when they accidentally swallow the eggs or touch infected feces of animals. They usually transmitted through contaminated soil and they are known to survive best and reproduce in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Important contextual determinants for human infection are poverty, lack of sanitation, and inadequate hygiene (e.g., absence of hand washing with soap after defecation and before eating, and walking barefoot. Soil transmitted helminthes include;

 Round worms (Ascarislumbricoides)

 Whipworm (Trichuristrichiura)

 Hookworms (Ancylostomaduodenaleand Necatoramericanus)

Transmission of STHs occurs via contact with contaminated soil (hookworm) or consumption of egg-contaminated foods (A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura). They are considered togetherbecause it is common for persons, especially kids from under privileged state, to be seriously harmed with these worms.

Current studies have estimated that Ascarislumbricoideshas infected about 1.221 billion, Trichuristrichiurahas infected about 795 million, and Ancylostomaduodenale and Necatoramericanuslikewise has infected about 740 million worldwide. The highest occurrences of soil transmitted helminthic diseases are prevalent in North and South Americas, China and Eastern Asia and Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly two billion people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections worldwide. These are widely distributed in tropical and semitropical regions, with the highest figures happening in areas relating to the south of Sahara dese...

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...usually the only effective method.

 There is currently no vaccine approved for the prevention of ascariasis or trichuriasis or hook worm infection.

CONCLUSION

Soil transmitted helminthic infections are one of the common diseases of man. Children of developing countries or poverty stricken areas have been shown to have at least of these worms, thereby making them victims of these worm infection with results in impairment intellectual and cognitive skills and retarded growth. Choices of drugs for treatment of these infections are mebendazole and albendazole.There is a need for periodic deworming at least once to twice a year. Also there is a need for public awareness on these infections and practice of personal hygiene. Good toilet facilities should be provided and also the governments should make available good and quality water to be provided for poor areas.