A Retrospective Analysis of Intestinal Helminthic Infestations at a Tertiary Care Center in South India

A parasitic worm is commonly referred to as a helminth. There are two types of helminths: Nematoda, or roundworms, and Platyhelminthes, or flatworms (flukes and tapeworms). While some are very huge, measuring more than one meter in length, many are rather large. Poor tropical and subtropical regions are the sites of the most severe helminth infections; however, some can also happen in developed nations. Less severe infestations are found throughout the planet. Food preferences, contact with vectors, climate, and cleanliness all affect an individual's risk of infection. Nearly every organ system, including the intestine, may be affected. In this study, the overall prevalence of intestinal helminthic infestations was 1.10% (n = 10), with <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> accounting for 0.44% (n = 4), <i>Ancylostoma duodenale</i> accounting for 0.33% (n = 3), and other helminths (<i>Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, and Taenia</i> species) accounting for 0.11% (n = 1) each. Over half of the world's population has historically been infected with helminths, but medical research and public health initiatives have mostly ignored them since they were thought to be non-fatal and to have little clinical importance. It is hoped that worldwide deworming programs will join the international efforts to improve the health of our planet during the next decade.