Helminthic infestations

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Worms may invade the intestines and other parts of the body causing diseases.

Causes

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus species)
• Ascaris (Ascaris lumbricoides)
• Strongyloides(Strongyloides starcoralis)
• Tape worm(Taenia saginata, Taenia soliun, Diphylobothrium latum and Hymenolepis nana)
• Thread worm
• Whip worm
• Onchocerciasis (Onchocerca volvulus)
• Pin worms (Enterobius vermicularis)

Signs and symptoms

• Generalized itching
• Perianal itching (threadworm)
• Dry cough (when the larvae pass through the lungs)
• Wheeze (when the larvae pass through the lungs)
• Abdominal discomfort and or pain
• Passage of worm(s) in the stool
• Altered bowel habit
• Pallor
• Features of malnutrition
• Poor physical growth in children
• Large distended abdomen in children
• Wheezing

Investigations

• Stool for microscopy
• Full blood cell count, including haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume

Treatment objectives

• Eliminate the worms
• Treat the complications of infestation e.g. anaemia, malnutrition

Prevention

• Proper hand washing with soap and running water before preparing food or eating, and after use of toilets
• Avoid eating raw fish and meat (thoroughly cook meat and fish)
• Properly wash, peel or cook vegetables and fruit
• In case of pinworms and threadworms, the whole family must be treated.