Soil-transmitted helminthiases are caused by parasitic worms and are widespread in areas with inadequate sanitation. They primarily affect the intestines, leading to a range of health issues, with the most severe impacts on children. Control and prevention efforts focus on improving hygiene and sanitation, as well as regular deworming treatments.

Causative Agents: The main worms causing soil-transmitted helminthiases are roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). These parasites are prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and are primarily transmitted through soil contaminated with human feces.

Transmission and Lifecycle: Infection occurs when people ingest eggs (in the case of roundworm and whipworm) or larvae (in the case of hookworms) present in contaminated soil. These can be ingested directly or through contaminated food. For hookworms, infection can also occur when larvae penetrate the skin. Once inside the body, the worms live in the intestines, mature, and reproduce, releasing their eggs or larvae in feces, which can then contaminate the soil.

Symptoms and Impact on Health: The severity of symptoms depends on the worm burden. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool (particularly with hookworms), malnutrition, and in severe cases, physical and cognitive growth retardation in children. Hookworms can cause chronic intestinal blood loss leading to anemia.

Epidemiology: Soil-transmitted helminthiases are among the most common infections worldwide, affecting the poorest and most deprived communities. They are particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions where sanitation and hygiene are poor.

Prevention and Control: Effective prevention involves improving sanitation and hygiene practices, including the use of proper toilets and handwashing. Regular deworming through mass drug administration (MDA) in at-risk populations, especially children, is a key strategy for control.

Treatment: The treatment involves the administration of safe and effective medications, such as albendazole or mebendazole, which can kill the worms. These medications are often distributed in mass deworming campaigns, particularly targeting children and women of reproductive age (15 - 49 years) in endemic areas.

Global Health Efforts: These infections are a major focus of global health initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) and various NGOs work towards the control and elimination of soil-transmitted helminthiases through integrated measures including mass drug administration, improved sanitation, and health education.