Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis

Soil-transmitted helminths common known as intestinal worms, are the most common infections worldwide affecting the most deprived communities.

The causal agent of soil-transmitted helminthiasis is any of the following worms: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and the hookworms. Infection is caused by ingestion of eggs from contaminated soil (A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura) or by active penetration of the skin by immature forms in the soil (hookworms).

Ascaris lumbricoides (Image: CDC)

Trichuris trichiura [Whipworm] (Image: CDC)

Hookworm (Image: CDC)

Soil-transmitted helminths produce a wide range of symptoms including intestinal manifestations (diarrhoea, abdominal pain), general malaise and weakness, that may affect working and learning capacities and impair physical growth. Hookworms cause chronic intestinal blood loss that results in anaemia.

(Source: WHO)