Soil-transmitted helminths are more commonly known as intestinal worms and are the most common parasitic infections worldwide. These infections are caused by three kinds of worms: roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms, which infect over 1 billion people worldwide. Infection rates differ by country but can be as high as 95% in some areas.
Intestinal worms are usually caused by swallowing eggs from contaminated soil or by larvae that penetrate the skin when soil is walked on barefoot. Contamination occurs through human fecal matter that contains worm larvae and is then mixed in the soil. Once infected, individuals usually have no symptoms.
Intestinal worm infection can be treated with a single dose of medication for mild or moderate cases. However, the infection can be prevented altogether by increasing the availability of water for personal hygiene, improving sanitation, washing food properly, and avoiding the use of human feces as fertilizer.
Intestinal worms are the most common parasitic infection and infect over 1 billion people worldwide. Symptoms vary in presentation and severity but, once diagnosed, treatment is relatively quick and inexpensive. Efforts at prevention can greatly decrease the number of new infections by promoting better hygiene and sanitation practices.
