Deworming

Helminths parasites belong to the group of parasites which are commonly called as Worms are a group of parasites commonly referred to as worms (schistosomes and soil-transmitted helminths). These worms are the common causes for the infections in many of the developing counties and causes nutritional imbalances, thereby causing internal bleeding which can lead to loss of iron and aenemia, mal-absorption of nutrients, diarrhoea and hence leading to loss of appetite which leading to a reduction in energy intake.

These infections can also cause cognitive impairment as well as tissue damage that may require corrective surgies..

The nutritional impairment caused by schistosome and soil-transmitted helminth infections during childhood has been shown to have a significant impact on growth and development of children (specifically babies, toddlers). Regular or Periodic treatment (de-worming) of children together with improvement of water, sanitation, and health education can minimize the transmission of schistosome and soil-transmitted helminth infections.

World Health Organization has recommended periodic treatment with anti-helminthic (de-worming) medicines (for example ALBENDAZOLE), without previous individual diagnosis to all at-risk people living in unhygienic areas or endemic areas.

Individuals who are at higher risk for these infections includes

• Preschool-aged children/Play school children/Toddlers.
• School going children and women of childbearing age (including pregnant women in the second and third trimesters and breastfeeding women)
• The treatment should be rendered once a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the community is over 20%, and twice a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the community exceeds 50%. This intervention reduces morbidity by reducing the worm burden.

In addition,Health education and hygiene reduces transmission and re-infection by encouraging healthy behaviours from childhood reduced the attack of helminth parasites. The diagnosis of the helminth infections could be examination of stool samples and

References:

1. http://www.thiswormyworld.org/research/developing-tools
2. http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/natural-deworming-the-gut-safely-and-effectively/
3. Deworming drugs for soil-transmitted intestinal worms in children: effects on nutritional indicators, haemoglobin and school performance
   Taylor-Robinson DC, Maayan N, Soares-Weiser K, Donegan S, Garner P.
   Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015; Issue 7. Art. No.: CD000371.
4. Effect of administration of antihelminthics for soil-transmitted helminths during pregnancy
   Salam RA, Haider BA, Humayun Q, Bhutta ZA.
   Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015; Issue 6. Art. No.: CD005547
5. http://www.givewell.org/international/technical/programs/deworming