Soil-transmitted helminthiasisSoil-transmitted helminthiasis is a type of worm infection (helminthiasis) caused by different species of roundworms. It is caused specifically by worms transmitted through soil contaminated with fecal matter and are known as soil-transmitted helminths. Three types of soil-transmitted helminthiasis can be distinguished: ascariasis, hookworm infection and whipworm infection.
Neglected tropical diseasesDiverse group of tropical infectious diseases which are common in developing countriesMedical conditionNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of tropical infections that are common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They are caused by a variety of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms (helminths) and mites (acarines).
SchistosomiasisHuman disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomesMedical conditionSchistosomiasis, also known as snail fever, bilharzia, and Katayama fever is a tropical disease, specifically a helminthiasis caused by the parasiticflatworm of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosomiasis affects humans as well as other animals. It affects the urinary tract or the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, or blood in the urine.
TrematodaTrematoda is a class of flatworms known as trematodes, and commonly as flukes. They are obligateinternal parasites with a complex life cycle requiring at least two hosts. The intermediate host, in which asexual reproduction occurs, is a mollusk, usually a snail. The definitive host, where the flukes sexually reproduce, is a vertebrate. Infection by trematodes can cause disease in all five vertebrate groups: mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
NematodePhylum of wormsThe nematodes ( ), roundworms or eelworms constitute the phylumNematoda (Ancient Greek: Νηματώδη; Latin: Nematoda). Species in the phylum inhabit a broad range of environments. Most species are free-living, feeding on microorganisms, but many are parasitic. Parasitic worms (helminths) are the cause of soil-transmitted helminthiases. They are classified along with arthropods, tardigrades and other moultinganimals in the cladeEcdysozoa.
CestodaCestoda is a class of parasitic worms in the flatwormphylum (Platyhelminthes). Most of the species—and the best-known—are those in the subclass Eucestoda; they are ribbon-like worms as adults, commonly known as tapeworms. Their bodies consist of many similar units known as proglottids—essentially packages of eggs which are regularly shed into the environment to infect other organisms. Species of the other subclass, Cestodaria, are mainly fish-infecting parasites.
Parasitic wormParasitic worms, also known as helminths, are a polyphyletic group of large macroparasites; adults can generally be seen with the naked eye. Many are intestinal worms that are soil-transmitted and infect the gastrointestinal tract. Other parasitic worms such as schistosomes reside in blood vessels. Some parasitic worms, including leeches and monogeneans, are ectoparasites – thus, they are not classified as helminths, which are endoparasites.
ParasitismParasitism is a close relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives (at least some of the time) on or inside another organism, the host, causing it some harm, and is adapted structurally to this way of life.
Gastrointestinal tractThe gastrointestinal tract (also called the GI tract, digestive tract, gut and the alimentary canal) is the tract or passageway of the digestive system that leads from the mouth to the anus. The tract is one of the largest of the body's systems. The GI tract contains all the major organs of the digestive system, in humans and other animals, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
WormWorms are many different distantly related bilateral animals that typically have a long cylindrical tube-like body, no limbs, and usually no eyes. Worms vary in size from microscopic to over 1 metre (3.3 ft) in length for marine polychaete worms (bristle worms); 6.7 metres (22 ft) for the African giant earthworm, Microchaetus rappi; and 58 metres (190 ft) for the marine nemertean worm (bootlace worm), Lineus longissimus.
Host (biology)In biology and medicine, a host is a larger organism that harbours a smaller organism; whether a parasitic, a mutualistic, or a commensalist guest (symbiont). The guest is typically provided with nourishment and shelter. Examples include animals playing host to parasitic worms (e.g. nematodes), cells harbouring pathogenic (disease-causing) viruses, or a bean plant hosting mutualistic (helpful) nitrogen-fixing bacteria.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.