Worm Infestation Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 1
Worm and Helminthes Infestation Definition of Worms: Worms are parasitic organisms that live in or on the human body, deriving nutrition from the host and causing a range of health issues. Definition of Helminthes Infestation: Helminthes are a group of parasitic worms that can infect the human intestines, tissues, or other organs, leading to various health problems. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 2
Classification or Types of Worms Types of Helminthes: Nematodes (Roundworms ) Cestodes (Tapeworms ) Trematodes (Flukes ) Focus on Key Types: Pinworms ( Enterobius vermicularis ) Roundworms ( Ascaris lumbricoides ) Hookworms ( Ancylostoma duodenale , Necator americanus ) Tapeworms ( Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp.) Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 3
Epidemiology of Worm Infestation Worldwide Global Prevalence : Over 1.5 billion people worldwide are infected with soil-transmitted helminths . Regions Affected : Sub-Saharan Africa Southeast Asia Latin America Contributing Factors : Poverty , poor sanitation, and lack of access to clean water significantly contribute to high rates of infestation . WHO prioritizes mass deworming programs, particularly for children in endemic areas . Global Statistics : Ascariasis : 800 million infections worldwide . Hookworm : 500-600 million infected individuals globally . Pinworms : Primarily seen in children, with an estimated 20-40% prevalence in endemic regions Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 4
Epidemiology in Pakistan Prevalence in Pakistan : Soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) are a major public health issue in Pakistan, particularly in rural and peri -urban areas . National Statistics : Approximately 16-20% of school-aged children are affected by intestinal worms. In certain regions, up to 52% of children are infected with one or more types of intestinal parasites . High-Risk Areas in Pakistan : Sindh , Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , and Baluchistan report the highest infection rates due to inadequate sanitation and access to clean water . National Deworming Program: Launched to target school-aged children and reduce the burden of helminthes infections. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 5
Pinworms ( Enterobius vermicularis ) Pinworms: are small, white, thread-like worms that infect the intestines, particularly common in children. Environment: Crowded living conditions, schools, and daycares . Transmission: occurs through ingestion of pinworm eggs, often by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth. Symptoms: include anal itching, especially at night, and occasionally, abdominal pain. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 6
Cont. Diagnosis: is typically done through the "Scotch tape test," where clear tape is applied to the anal area to collect eggs for microscopic examination. Treatment: involves oral medications like mebendazole or albendazole , along with hygiene measures to prevent reinfection R epeated treatment after two weeks to eliminate reinfection. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 7
Roundworms ( Ascaris lumbricoides ) Roundworms: are one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans, especially in tropical and subtropical regions commonly in children. Environment: Warm, moist climates; areas with poor sanitation . Transmission: occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water containing roundworm eggs. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 8
Cont. Symptoms: can range from mild abdominal discomfort to severe intestinal obstruction , bloating, coughing (if larvae migrate to lungs), malnutrition. Diagnosis: is through stool examination for eggs or sometimes through imaging techniques. Treatment: involves medications like albendazole or mebendazole to kill the worms , Piperazine for intestinal obstruction. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 9
Hookworms ( Ancylostoma duodenale , Necator americanus ) Hookworms: small parasitic worms, are blood-feeding parasites that infect the small intestine . Infection occurs through skin penetration by larvae found in contaminated soil, especially in areas with poor sanitation . Environment: Tropical and subtropical regions; soil contaminated with human feces Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 10
Cont. Symptoms: can include anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Diagnosis: is through stool examination for eggs or larvae. Treatment: involves anthelmintic medications like albendazole or mebendazole to eliminate the worms and address anemia if present iron supplements for anemia. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 11
Tapeworms (Taenia saginata, Taenia solium) Tapeworms: are flat, segmented parasites that can grow inside the human intestine. Environment: Areas with livestock farming, poor meat inspection practices . Transmission: occurs through ingestion of undercooked meat containing tapeworm larvae. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 12
Cont. Symptoms: may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and segments of the worm in the stool, digestive disturbances. Diagnosis: involves identifying worm segments or eggs in the stool. Treatment: includes medications like praziquantel or niclosamide to kill the tapeworm Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 13
Classification of Worms Pinworms ( Enterobius vermicularis ) Small , thin white worms that infect the intestines, primarily in children. Roundworms ( Ascaris lumbricoides ) Large , white or pink worms that cause Ascaris infections, common in areas with poor sanitation. Hookworms ( Ancylostoma duodenale , Necator americanus ) Small worms that attach to the intestinal walls, causing blood loss and anemia. Tapeworms ( Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp .) Flat , segmented worms that can grow several meters in length and live in the intestines. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 14
Epidemiological Triad for Worm Infestation* Agent: Pinworms : Enterobius vermicularis Roundworms : Ascaris lumbricoides Hookworms : Ancylostoma duodenale , Necator americanus Tapeworms : Taenia spp. (beef and pork tapeworms), Echinococcus spp. ( hydatid tapeworm) Host: Humans , especially children, those living in poor sanitary conditions, and individuals in close contact with infected persons or animals. Environment: Warm , humid climates, areas with poor sanitation, overcrowded living conditions. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 15
Pathological Impact of Helminthes Infestation Local Effects: Intestinal blockage, irritation, inflammation, and tissue damage. Systemic Effects: Nutrient absorption issues, anemia (especially with hookworm infestation), allergic reactions, and potential migration to other organs (e.g., liver, lungs, brain). Anemia (hookworms), malnutrition (roundworms), allergic reactions, and organ damage (tapeworms). Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 16
Medical Management of Helminthes Infestation Anti-parasitic Medications: Pinworms: Mebendazole or Albendazole ; repeated dose after 2 weeks. Roundworms: Albendazole or Mebendazole ; single-dose treatment. Hookworms: Albendazole or Mebendazole ; iron supplements for anemia. Tapeworms: Praziquantel or Albendazole ; surgical removal in severe cases ( hydatid disease). Supportive Care: Nutritional support, hydration, iron supplementation for anemia. Surgical Intervention: In cases of severe complications, such as intestinal blockage or cyst removal. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 17
Complications of Helminthes Infestation Intestinal Blockage: Severe cases may lead to bowel obstruction requiring surgical intervention. Malnutrition and Anemia: Chronic infestation can cause significant weight loss, anemia, and stunted growth in children. Organ Damage : Migration of worms or cysts can cause damage to organs like the liver, lungs, or brain. Secondary Infections: Open sores and wounds caused by scratching can lead to bacterial infections. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 18
Prevention and Control of Helminthes Infestation Personal Hygiene: Hand washing with soap, avoiding nail-biting, maintaining short and clean nails. Food Safety: Properly cook meat, wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Environmental Measures: Use of toilets, proper disposal of human waste, clean water supply. Public Health Interventions: Regular deworming programs in schools, community education on hygiene. Thursday, September 19, 2024 JAMAL 19