Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis refers to intestinal worm infections — most commonly roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm — acquired through contact with soil contaminated by human faeces. It is very common in children and can contribute to malnutrition and anaemia.

• Often no symptoms in light infections
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite and, with heavy infection, weight loss or poor growth in children
• Pallor and fatigue from hookworm-related blood loss and anaemia
• Passing worms in the stool is sometimes reported, particularly with roundworm

• Caused by intestinal worms, most commonly roundworm (Ascaris), whipworm (Trichuris), and hookworm.
• Roundworm and whipworm eggs are ingested from soil or food contaminated with human faeces.
• Hookworm larvae typically penetrate the skin, often through bare feet in contaminated soil.
• Risk is increased by poor sanitation, walking barefoot, and lack of regular deworming.

• Often diagnosed presumptively in children in endemic areas based on symptoms and risk, without requiring laboratory testing before routine deworming.
• Stool microscopy identifying worm eggs confirms the diagnosis and specific worm type where testing is available or needed for persistent symptoms.

A single dose of albendazole or mebendazole is the standard treatment and is highly effective against the common soil-transmitted worms.

Regular mass deworming of school-age children and other at-risk groups is conducted periodically in endemic areas as a public health measure, regardless of individual symptoms.

Associated iron deficiency anaemia, particularly from hookworm, is treated with iron supplementation alongside deworming.

Heavy infections causing complications such as intestinal obstruction are uncommon but require urgent surgical assessment if they occur.

• Wear shoes, particularly when walking on soil that may be contaminated with human waste.
• Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet.
• Ensure proper disposal of human waste and access to safe sanitation.
• Support regular school-based deworming programmes in endemic areas.
• Wash and cook food thoroughly, especially vegetables grown in or near soil.