A Handbook on Geohelminths


ISBN 978-93-91595-46-3 (Print)
ISBN 978-93-91595-47-0 (eBook)
DOI: 10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-91595-46-3

This book of Geohelminths (Soil-transmitted helminthiasis) is perhaps the most practical, covering the life-cycles, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and preventive methods. Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus and Trichuris trichiura constitute the major soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. An additional species, less widely distributed and less restricted to soil-transmission, is Strongyloides stercoralis. Diseases due to these infections are recognized as a serious public health problem wherever suitable environmental conditions co-exist with poor sanitation and hygiene.

This book has been prepared as handout for Medical Students, with special emphasis on soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The book aims to provide users a good practical knowledge on the common intestinal helminthic infections of man particularly those caused by the soil-transmitted group.

It is believed that students will appreciate a book that presents the essential information in a readable, interesting, and varied format.

 

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A Handbook on Geohelminths

Nicholas J. Kavana

A Handbook on Geohelminths, 5 August 2021, Page 1-73
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-91595-46-3

Nematodes (roundworms) are non-segmented helminthes. They are bilaterally symmetry, have a complete digestive tract with oral and anal openings, they taper at both ends. They are easily distinguishable from other helminthes because of their cylindrical non-segmented bodies. Most nematodes are dioecious, the male and female reproductive organs are located in the body cavities of the separate sexes. Adult parasites cause less disturbances than those caused by the larvae of the parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides migrate into important organs, resulting to serious symptoms. Ancylostoma duodenale continuously suck up human blood resulting in anaemia. In molecular biology of parasites there are a number of techniques which are routinely used. DNA and RNA of helminths can be extracted by freeze-thawing lysis, this is because of their thick cuticles. Diagnosis of parasitic infections has usually been carried out by finding the causative agent and this is the most satisfactory method when dealing with infections in individuals. Parasitic infections present immune situation, which the host develops a normal immune response against the parasite but, this response does not result in its elimination. Helminths do not multiply within their vertebrate hosts. Most helminthes have life cycles in which larval stages larval stages migrate around the body of the host before the adults settle in their final sites.