Abstract

Intestinal worm infestations are widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries and occur where there is poverty and poor sanitation. These infestations especially pose a major childhood health hazard in the developing countries, mainly manifesting as anemia which in turn interferes with children’s growth and immunity. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections form the most important group of intestinal worms affecting two billion people worldwide and the main species which infect are Ascaris lumbricoides, (roundworms), Trichuris trichiura, (whip worms) and Necator americanus/Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworms).

Key words: Helminthiasis, worm infestation, ascariasis