helminthology

Helminthology is the branch of parasitology concerned with helminths, parasitic worms that infect humans and animals. The field studies their biology, life cycles, host-parasite interactions, ecology, epidemiology, and the diseases they cause, as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Helminths are traditionally divided into nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), trematodes (flukes), and, less commonly, acanthocephalans (thorny-headed worms). Most nematodes and many trematodes and cestodes have complex life cycles with one or more intermediate hosts or environmental stages, while others may be direct life cycles. Transmission often depends on vectors, water, soil, or contaminated food.

In humans, helminth infections include ascariasis and hookworm (nematodes), enterobiasis (pinworm), schistosomiasis and liver fluke diseases (trematodes), and taeniasis or fish or beef tapeworm infections (cestodes). Animal helminths affect livestock and pets, with economic and zoonotic implications.

Diagnosis relies on stool or tissue examination, serology, imaging, and molecular methods. Treatments include anthelmintic drugs such as albendazole, mebendazole, ivermectin, praziquantel, and combinations; control emphasizes sanitation, hygiene, safe water, vaccination research, and, for some diseases, mass drug administration.

Historically, helminthology developed during the 19th and 20th centuries with advances in microscopy and experimental infections. The field informs public health, veterinary medicine, and research into parasite biology, resistance, and vaccines.