Intestinal Helminth Infection

The worldwide incidence of intestinal helminth infection, widely seen among people living in developing countries, is estimated at 3 billion cases by the Disease Control Priorities Project (DCPP). Helminths are parasitic worms that normally dwell and lay their eggs in the soil but can be transmitted to humans through a variety of means. The three most common helminth infections are ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm. These infections are not widely diagnosed in the United States.

Human Toll

• Although only a tiny percentage of these infections ultimately results in fatalities, the DCPP says physical debilitation is much more widespread. This includes iron deficiency anemia in children, pregnant women and other women of reproductive age. Other risks include renal failure and bladder ulcers. The DCPP estimates that intestinal helminth infections, together with schistosomiasis, another parasitic disease, cause roughly 150,000 deaths a year.

Ascariasis

• The most widespread of the helminth infections is ascariasis, which is caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with the eggs of the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides, according to MedlinePlus. The eggs that have been consumed eventually hatch, releasing larval-stage roundworms into the intestines. The larvae eventually mature into full-size worms that may continue to reside in the intestines and reproduce indefinitely. Risk factors for this infection include poor sanitation, poor hygiene and exposure to fields where human feces are used for fertilizer.

Trichuriasis

• Caused by a parasitic roundworm called Trichuris trichiura, also known as the human whipworm, trichuriasis has caused more than 750 million infections worldwide, according to OrganizedWisdom.com. Spread in the same fashion as ascariasis, this infection may cause no symptoms, although it is likely to have a debilitating effect on its hosts over the long term. Patients may be treated with one of the many antihelmintic medications, including albendazole, mebendazole and nitazoxanide.

Hookworm

• This infection is usually introduced through the consumption of food or drink contaminated with the eggs of the roundworms Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, according to MedlinePlus. Mature worms, averaging one-half inch in length, may take up residence in the small intestine or lungs. Many of those infected experience no symptoms. Heavy infestations may result in iron deficiency anemia.

Three Forms of Intervention

• The DCPP reports that the three forms of intervention most often used are deworming with antihelmintic drugs, health education and sanitation improvements. The most cost-effective, according to the project, is periodic deworming, which most often can be accomplished through dosing with a single tablet of an antihelmintic medication.