Infections due to Helminths

Infections due to Helminths (parasitic worms)

Helminthiasis (worm infestation) most frequently affects the intestines. Higher prevalence when sanitation is poor. Treatment is not always indicated.

Schistosomiasis (Trematode/fluke infection):
• important cause of morbidity in tropics – spread mostly by irrigation schemes
• 5 species affect humans
• starts with itching at site for 1-2 days. 3-5 weeks later  allergic manifestations

Cestode/Tapeworm infections:
• ribbon shaped worms in intestinal tract – they have no alimentary tract so need to absorb nutrients
• 3 species affect humans
• humans usually get infected from undercooked meat or fish that contain the larvae
• drug – praziquantel

Hydatid disease:
Caused by ingestion of eggs of a dog parasite (Echinococcus granulosus)
Present with large cyst on lungs or in liver
Treatment – excision of cyst

Nematode/Roundworm infections:
• most asymptomatic; two types of infection – intestinal and extraintestinal
• 3 types
• intestinal nematodes
• tissue dwelling human nematodes
• zoonotic nematodes
• pork roundworm  trichinosis
• drugs – mebendazole, pyrantel, ivermectin

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