Nematode infection
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Nematode infection | |
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Synonyms | N/A |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia |
Complications | Malnutrition, intestinal obstruction, growth retardation |
Onset | Varies depending on species |
Duration | Chronic if untreated |
Types | N/A |
Causes | Infection by nematodes such as Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura |
Risks | Poor sanitation, lack of clean water, living in endemic areas |
Diagnosis | Stool test, blood test |
Differential diagnosis | Protozoan infection, bacterial infection |
Prevention | Improved sanitation, health education, deworming |
Treatment | Anthelmintic medications such as albendazole, mebendazole |
Medication | N/A |
Prognosis | N/A |
Frequency | Common in tropical and subtropical regions |
Deaths | Estimated 5,000 deaths annually |
Nematode infection refers to a type of parasitic disease, or helminthiasis, caused by the infection of humans and other animals by nematodes, also known as roundworms. Nematodes are a diverse animal phylum inhabiting a broad range of environments.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Nematode infections are caused by a significant variety of omnipresent worms, most commonly found in the soil and food, which can infect the host organism's intestines, bloodstream, or other parts of the body. The most common nematodes that infect humans include Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of nematode infection can vary greatly depending on the type of nematode, the infected body part, and the host's immune response. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and in severe cases, malnutrition and anemia.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of nematode infection typically involves laboratory tests, including stool tests to identify the presence of nematode eggs or larvae. In some cases, blood tests may be used to detect certain types of nematodes.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for nematode infections typically involves antiparasitic medications. The choice of medication and the duration of treatment depend on the type of nematode infection.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of nematode infections primarily involves good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, proper food preparation, and avoiding contact with contaminated soil and water.
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD