World Wide Epidemiology of Helminths Infection

Abstract

Helminths (from the Greek Helmins, meaning worm) include three groups of parasitic worm, large multicellular organisms with complex tissues and organs. Helminths do not replicate within the human host except Strongyloides stercoralis. Prevalence is commonly combined with worm burden (intensity of infection), which is commonly measured by the number of eggs per gram (EPGs) of faeces for intestinal helminths and schistosomes. Based on EPGs and their association with morbidity, individuals are classified into categories of light, moderate and heavy infection by the WHO. In the case of soiltransmitted helminths, the WHO recommends use of both prevalence and intensity of infection to classify communities into transmission categories-category I (high), category II (medium), and category III (low). The neglected status of the helminthiasis should be addressed on community levels and globally all over the world.

Prevalence and risk factors of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases among preschool aged children (1–5 years) in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a cross-sectional study

“…Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia and soil-transmitted helminths (STH, Ascaris lumbricoides [roundworms], Trichuris trichiura [whipworms], and hookworms) are the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide [1]. Global estimates suggest that schistosomes infect about 230 million people while A. lumbricoides, T. trichuris and hookworms infect 1.221 billion, 795 million and 740 million people, respectively [2].…”

“…Ninety per cent of the people infected worldwide reside in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Due to the overlap in their geographical distributions [3], schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases can occur independently or jointly depending on the nature of risk factors and host related attributes [1–4]. Risk factors such as access to safe water and sanitary related practices of caregivers and children have been reported to be associated with STH infection [5, 6].…”

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Chenopodium album and in-silico prediction of mechanistic role on Eisenia foetida

“…Helminths infection occurs due to the warm, humid equatorial regions and inadequate hygiene sanitation facilities [ 34 , 35 ]. The medicinal plants contain various secondary metabolites that exhibit anthelmintic activity [ 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

Safety of Water Used in Food Production

“…Helminthic diseases require a nonanimal intermediate host like humans for transmission. Billions of people are infected by helminths worldwide each year, with an estimated 130,000 deaths annually (Abdeltawabi et al, 2017). Helminth infections generally occur via ingestion of contaminated water and food, and in most cases it involves intestinal infection (Nieder et al, 2018).…”