Parasitic Worm Infection
Parasitic worm infections occur when helminths, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, or pinworms, take up residence in the gut or other tissues. They are among the most common infections worldwide, and remain particularly prevalent across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and tropical parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and India, where warm, humid conditions and soil contamination support transmission.
Medicine used to treat Parasitic Worm Infection
How worm infections spread and who they affect
Most intestinal worms enter the body through contaminated food, water, or soil. Hookworms can penetrate bare skin directly. Symptoms range from none at all (in light infections) to abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, and fatigue. Heavy or longstanding infections can cause anaemia and nutritional deficiency, particularly in children.
Treatment typically involves a short course of an antiparasitic medicine. Albendazole is the most widely used option, it works against a broad range of worm species and is usually given as a single dose or short course. If symptoms persist or worsen after treatment, or if you notice worms in stool, experience severe abdominal pain, or have unexplained weight loss, a doctor should assess you.