Anaemia a Monitoring Tool for Helminth Infection

Abstract

Helminthic infections also known as worm infections affect mostly the gastrointestinal tracts. They are caused by parasites known as helminths. The infection is capable of causing blood loss which often leads to anaemia. However the severity of anaemia is dependent on the intensity of the infection. With an estimated 3.5 billion infected individuals globally, helminth infections are among the most prevalent infections. In tropical and subtropical regions, these infections primarily affect the most impoverished and disadvantaged communities that have limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. The highest prevalence of these infections has been reported from sub-Saharan Africa, China, and South America. The major helminths that causes anaemia includes Hook worm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma. duodenale), Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiuria (whip worm). Hookworms and whipworms are examples of helminths that cause iron-deficiency anaemia through blood consumption and by causing damage to the intestinal mucosa during feeding. It is estimated that adult hookworms consume 0.05 to 0.2 milliliters of blood per day per worm, with an average daily blood loss of 26.4 milliliters in adult subjects infected with A. Duodenale. There are many risk factors which can lead to acquiring these infections and they include eating raw or undercooked meat and fish, poor hygiene, inadequate availability of clean water, poor sanitation. Some of the symptoms includes blood loss, abdominal pain, vomitting. Helminth infection can be diagnosed through direct wet mount, concentration technique and stool sample is used for this diagnosis. Helminth infections can be treated using antihelminthic drugs. Helminths can be prevented through safe sanitary facilites, maintainance of personal hygiene mass deworming in the affected areas and health education. In conclusion a well developed medical health care system should be put in place to control the devastating effects helminths infections.