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Pediatrics: ridding children of common worm infections
Insights
Pinworm and roundworm infections are common in US children, with effective treatments available. Hookworm treatment is shifting to safer drugs, while preventing visceral larva migrans is key.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Pinworm infection is the most common childhood worm infection in the US.
- Roundworm infection is the second most common.
- Hookworm disease and visceral larva migrans also affect children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common pediatric worm infections in the US.
- To discuss current and emerging treatment strategies.
- To highlight prevention for difficult-to-treat conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric helminthic infections.
- Analysis of treatment efficacy and side effect profiles.
- Discussion of diagnostic and management challenges.
Main Results:
- Effective agents exist for pinworm and roundworm infections.
- Tetrachloroethylene is being replaced by safer drugs for hookworm disease.
- Visceral larva migrans presents diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Several pediatric nematode infections have effective treatments.
- Safer pharmacological options are emerging for hookworm disease.
- Prevention is the primary strategy for controlling visceral larva migrans.
Abstract:
The most common worm infection in children in the United States is pinworm infection. In second place is roundworm infection. Agents that are effective against these nematodes in a high proportion of cases are available. In hookworm disease, generally seen in older children, tetrachloroethylene treatment is being supplanted by use of drugs less likely to have adverse side effect. Visceral larva migrans is difficult to diagnose and to treat, and our best hope for control lies in prevention.