Helminä

Helminä are parasitic worms that infect humans and animals. In medical contexts, helminths are grouped into three main classes: nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flukes). Infections, collectively called helminthiases, vary by species and site of infection but commonly affect the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, and blood vessels.

Transmission occurs through contaminated water or soil, ingestion of undercooked or raw meat containing larvae, or via vectors such as snails or insects. Many infections involve complex life cycles with one or more intermediate hosts.

Clinical effects range from asymptomatic carriage to malnutrition, anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or organ damage. Heavy worm burdens can impair growth in children and reduce cognitive development in endemic areas.

Diagnosis usually relies on detecting parasite eggs or larvae in stool or tissue samples, serology, or molecular tests. Treatment consists of anthelmintic medications such as albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, or ivermectin, chosen based on species and infection site. In some cases repeated treatments are necessary.

Prevention focuses on improved sanitation, safe drinking water, handwashing, and proper food handling, including thorough cooking of meat. Public health programs often combine routine deworming with education and vector control to reduce transmission.

See also helminthiasis, neglected tropical diseases.