Helminth Infections

There are over 100 different types of worms that can live inside a host and humans can be exposed to helminth eggs in a variety of ways: food, water, air, pets, and even toilet seats. The Helminth eggs enter the human body usually through three transmission routes: the mouth, nose, or anus. Although they can also be transmitted through sexual contact and through the skin (via mosquito bites or through direct contact with soil), the aforementioned routes are the most common. Once inside the body, the eggs usually inhabit the intestine, where they hatch and eventually multiply.

The biologic cause of helminth infections is well known, but these causes are brought on by larger components and manifest in various ways depending on the society. Poor sanitation in developing countries may lead to urination and defecation in public streams and water sources, which increase transmission of parasitic worms. Similarly, soil may be exposed, which leads to food contamination.

Still, these conditions are not necessarily confined to developing countries; these same environments can also exist within a developed nation as well. Substandard housing, homelessness, and drug use all lead to the same unsanitary conditions that cause helminth infections. Similarly, rural places and migrant workers can experience the same kinds of conditions.

Hygiene is readily embraced as a major remedy to helminth causes. Because helminthic infections can be passed through contact with a contaminated agent, it is important that hand washing and hygienic measures be taken to insure the decrease of potential exposures. Also, limiting contact with wild animals and pet feces may lessen the chance of exposure. Specific hygiene initiatives in schools and hospitals have been undertaken in developing countries to prevent transmission among children, who are most negatively affected by helminth infections.