188
P A R T 2
Chemotherapeutic agents
roundworms called
Ascaris
are the most frequent
cause of helminth infections throughout the world.
■■
Some helminths invade body tissues and can seriously
damage lymphatic tissue, lungs, CNS, heart, liver and
so on. These include trichinosis-causing tapeworms,
which are found in undercooked pork; filariae,
which occur when thread-like worm embryos clog
up vascular spaces; and schistosomiasis-causing
flukes. Schistosomiasis is a common problem in many
tropical areas where the snail, that is necessary in the
life cycle of the fluke, lives.
■■
Anthelmintic drugs affect metabolic processes that
are either different in worms than in human hosts
or are not found in humans. These agents all cause
death of the worm by interfering with normal
functioning.
■■
Prevention is a very important part of the treatment
of helminths. Thorough hand washing; laundering
of bed linen, pyjamas and underwear to destroy ova
that are shed during the night; and disinfection of
toilet facilities at least daily and of bathroom floors
periodically, help to stop the spread of these diseases.
In addition, proper sanitation and hygiene in food
preparation and storage is essential for reducing the
incidence of these infestations.
■■
Education is important for decreasing the stress
and anxiety that may occur when individuals are
diagnosed with a worm infestation.
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps you to
study more effectively. Take a PrepU Practice Quiz
to find out how you measure up!
ONLINE RESOURCES
An extensive range of additional resources to enhance teaching
and learning and to facilitate understanding of this chapter may
be found online at the text’s accompanying website, located on
thePoint at
These include Watch and
Learn videos, Concepts in Action animations, journal articles,
review questions, case studies, discussion topics and quizzes.
WEB LINKS
Healthcare providers and students may want to consult
the following Internet sources:
/
pages/Pinworms
Victorian Government information on pinworms.
Home page of Australian Government Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade Smart Traveller.
/
World Health Organization Information on helminth
infections.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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