Drugs acting on parasites. I Helminths worms

Ascarix ItimhricoitU x (common roundworm) infects the jjut lumen in about 25% of the world s population. The worms, v htch are between 1(1 and, () cm long, are common in the subtropics, especially in areas where sanitation is poor. Treatment is with oral niebendaxolc orievami-sole. Piperazine is also effective but may cause vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Hookworm is infection of the gut with cither j4jic.vfo.iwma duode- a/eorA(ccawrameriran s. These small worms (about 1 cm longlgrip the mucosa and take ti little blood from the ho.sicach day. Hookworm is a common cause of iron-deficiency anaemia in tropical and subtropical countries. Mebendazole is effective. 

StroRgyloides infects the gut, hut many people infected with these small worms (2 mm long) arc asymptomatic. Treatment is with tiaben-dazole. albendazole or ivermectin. 

Whipworms. Triefturis trwhiauria causes infection of the gut lumen, often together with Ascaris and hookworms. Light a.symptomatic infection is common. Mebendazole is effective. 

Filarial infections. Both the adult and larval (microtiluriiie) forms of the tilariac occur in humans. Transmission is by the bite of bloodsucking insects. The adult worms arc very long-lived, and the shedding of microfi loriae la-sts for many years. The severil y of the disease depends on the adult worm burden of the host. 

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