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. 2017 Jul-Dec;7(2):81-85.
doi: 10.4103/tp.TP_27_17.

Epidemiology and clinical features of soil-transmitted helminths

Subhash Chandra Parija  1 , Meenachi Chidambaram  1 , Jharna Mandal  1
Affiliations

Epidemiology and clinical features of soil-transmitted helminths

Subhash Chandra Parija et al. Trop Parasitol. 2017 Jul-Dec.

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) consist of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). It affects nearly 1.7 billion people globally in which Ascaris contributes nearly 1.2 billion cases. The main mode for transmission of Ascaris and Trichuris is through contaminated food and water, whereas hookworm transmitted by skin penetration. STH were mainly seen in areas with poverty, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. The prevalence is more in rural areas compared to urban areas. It affects mainly children and causes lack of school attendance, anemia, and cognitive deficits. This review emphasizes on the epidemiology and clinical features of all STH and emphasizes on the role on preventive measures in containing STH.

Keywords: Epidemiology; hookworm; iron deficiency anemia; prevalence; soil-transmitted helminths.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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