Worm Infestations

Ankylostoma
Ascaris

duodenale

lumbricoides

Enterobius

vermicularis

Ankylostoma duodenale

Public Health Importance

About one billion infected

Most common cause of IDA worldwide
Loss of productivity
Malnutrition and Growth retardation
in children

Mode of Transmission

Direct contact with contaminated soil

Contamination of water with soil

Eating contaminated produce

Signs & Symptoms

Asymptomatic
Itching
Rash
Anemia
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss.
Stunted physical and mental development

Prevention

Clean drinking water

Nightsoil use in farming?

Wearing of shoes

Chemoprophylaxis

Sanitary disposal of human excreta

Treatment

Albendazole.
OR
Mebendazole
OR
Pyrantel pamoate

ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES

Most common human worm infection.

Common in tropical and subtropical

areas

Children infected more often than

adults

Mode of Transmission

Contamination of produce via infected

fertilizers

Contamination of water supplies

Accidental ingestion of infective

ascarid eggs

Signs & Symptoms

Abdominal pain and intestinal

obstruction.

Symptomatic occlusion of the biliary

tract

Oral expulsion.

Signs & Symptoms

Cough,

Dyspnea,

Hemoptysis,

Eosinophilic pneumonitis - Loefflers

syndrome).

Light infection often asymptomatic

Prevention

Avoid contacting soil that may be contaminated

with human feces.

Avoiding fertilization with raw human sewage

Do not defecate outdoors.

Dispose of childs stools/diapers properly.

Prevention

Wash hands with soap and water before

handling food.

Avoid water or food that may be contaminated.

Wash, peel or cook all raw vegetables and fruits

before eating.

Treatment

Albendazole

Mebendazole

Pyrantel pamoate.

ENTEROBIUS VERMICULARIS

Worldwide distribution

Infections more frequent in school- or

preschool- children

Crowded conditions

Commoner in temperate than tropical

countries

Mode of Transmission

Self-infection

Handling of contaminated clothes or

bed linens

Surfaces in the environment that are

contaminated with pinworm eggs

Airborne and inhaled

Signs & Symptoms

Perianal pruritus

Anorexia,

Irritability

Abdominal pain.

Vulvovaginitis
Pelvic or peritoneal granulomas

Prevention

Bathe to help reduce the egg contamination.

Frequent changing of night clothes are

recommended.

Change clothes, and sheets after each

treatment.

Open blinds or curtains in bedrooms during the

day.

Prevention

Personal hygiene should include washing hands

after going to the toilet, before eating and after
changing diapers.

Trim fingernails short.

Discourage nail-biting

Treatment: Pyrantel pamoate