Helminthic Diseases: Intestinal Nematode Infection

Intestinal nematode infections are parasitic diseases caused by helminths (worms) living in the human intestine. Species involved include Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworms), Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm), and Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm). Intestinal nematode infections are included among the neglected tropical diseases and are possibly the most widespread and common infections worldwide, constituting a significant public health problem and an obstacle to the social and economic development of many countries. This article provides the reader with up-to-date information on their biology, distribution, transmission, epidemiology, pathogenesis, morbidity and burden of disease, diagnosis, therapy, and public health control.