Helminth Flashcards
Where are Helminth infections common?
In poverty ridden areas.
What kind of infections are Helminth infections?
“worm” infections
What are Helminth infections considered in public health?
They are considered “neglected” diseases.
How are Helminth infections contracted?
via contaminated soil in warm/moist areas with egg-containing feces. (soil-transmitted helminths (STHs))
Associated with poverty, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water.
What are the 3 most common soil-transmitted helminths (STHs)?
roundworms
whipworms
anthropophilic hookworms
infection with hookworm disease is linked to…?
iron deficiency anemia
protein malnutrition
Helminth infections are disproportionately burdened. What does this mean?
A small portion of the population carries most of the burden. (20% of the population carries 80% worm burden)
Who is more likely to be infected by Helminth?
Children are more infected. Hookworms are the exception because they are more common in adults.
What is the risk factor for adults to get infected with hookworms?
Agriculture occupations
How do you treat Helminth?
Treat with deworming drugs.
mebendzole (vermox) and albendazole
T/F : Reinfection is not very common in Helminth infections.
F : re-infection is very common.
T/F : Treatment can be safely administered through school deworming programs where there are high levels of infection in population.
T.
What are key prevention factors in Helminth.
Prevention is always the goal. (education, latrines, improved sanitation and access to clean water).
