Search

The parasitic helminthes include trematodes (flukes), cestodes (tapeworms), and nematodes (roundworms) 31.1. Although the most common method of diagnosing gastrointestinal helminthic infections is examination of stool for ova and parasites, these organisms are occasionally detected in biopsy or resection specimens. In addition, worms are increasingly frequently visualized endoscopically. Gastrointestinal helminths have a worldwide distribution, but their clinical importance varies with geographic region. They are more often a cause of serious disease in nations with deficient sanitation systems, poor socio-economic status, and hot, humid climates. Helminthic infections may be encountered in immigrants, however, as well as patients who travel to endemic areas, and they are an increasingly important problem in immunocompromised hosts. Helminths can cause severe and life-threatening nutritional problems, especially in children. The most common site of anatomic infection is the small bowel, although the stomach and large bowel may be involved. Hookworms, roundworms (both Ascaris and Enterobius), and whipworms are the most common helminthic infections in humans. A more detailed discussion of selected helminthic gastrointestinal infections is given below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]