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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
10:57
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
[Indigenous helminthiasis]
I Schiefke1, R Schmäschke, R Ott
1Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universität Leipzig.
Der Internist
|July 18, 2006
Summary
Helminth infections affect billions globally. This review covers geographic distribution, public health impact, and diagnosis of prevalent helminthiases like Echinococcus, Enterobiasis, and Toxocariasis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Human helminthic infections are globally prevalent, affecting 1.5-2 billion people.
- Industrialized nations have reduced helminth prevalence through improved sanitation and food safety.
- Understanding helminthiasis distribution and impact is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose:
- To review the geographic distribution of major helminthiases.
- To assess the public health impact of prevalent helminth infections.
- To highlight diagnostic methods and treatment challenges for key helminthiases, including Echinococcus, Enterobiasis, and Toxocariasis.
Summary:
- This review examines the global distribution and public health significance of common helminthiases.
- Diagnostic approaches include fecal examination for intestinal parasites and immunological methods or biopsy for tissue helminths.
- Emphasis is placed on Echinococcus, Enterobiasis, and Toxocariasis, with Echinococcus multilocularis noted as a severe European parasitic disease.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of helminthiasis epidemiology aids targeted public health interventions.
- Advances in diagnosis and combined medical-surgical treatments improve survival rates for severe infections like Echinococcosis.
- Public health policies can be informed by the geographic and clinical data presented, leading to better disease control.
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