Declarations
- Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable
- Consent for publication: Not applicable
- Availability of data and materials: Not applicable
- Competing interests: Not applicable
- Funding: Not applicable
- Authors’ contributions: Data collection, literature review ,
manuscript writing
- Acknowledgements: Not applicable
Helminthes, also called worms, cause widespread infections within the
human body. These organisms have complex life cycles that require
different developmental steps within and outside a human host. Their
transmitting source includes eating contaminated food, walking barefoot
and playing with the land. The most frequent symptoms are abdominal
pain, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. These organisms are classified
into the nematode and Platyhelminthes (cestodes and trematodes)
categories. As a result of their suction cups, these organisms cause
anemia, which is worrisome, especially for children. However,
malabsorption syndromes resulting in inadequate absorption of essential
nutrients are also reported.
Understanding how weather factors and seasonal variations affect
population dynamics of zoonotic parasites is critical for a better
understanding of their epidemiology. Previous studies have shown that
the prevalence of parasite infections is influenced by spatio-temporal
and seasonal factors ensure that readers are aware of the status of
these factors at the time of the study.1 Increased pressures and risks
for infection have been positively associated with cold climatic
conditions1. Temporal and spatial factors, such as temperature and
humidity levels, should have been taken into account. In addition,
previous studies have clearly demonstrated that the prevalence of anemia
is positively associated with asymptomatic malaria and co-infection of
helminths,2 The authors are expected to screen for malaria and provide
data for both groups, as it could also have an impact.
According to one study, Pakistan is among the 10 countries with the
highest reported cases of neglected tropical diseases
(NTDs). Ascariasis and other soil-borne helminthes (STH) infections top
the bid.3 . Human helminthiasis can also cause genetic instability and
affect cell communication, eventually resulting in tumour
development.4 Considering that chronic helminthiasis is recognized as
an important factor in the development of cancer in men and its
surprising appearance in Pakistan,. it is of paramount importance for
researchers to examine and for health authorities to take action. The
initiative that must be taken here is the regular deworming of
schoolchildren and health education courses that teach personal hygiene
and sanitation to the masses. Given that most people with helminthiasis
are asymptomatic until the disease progresses to a severe degree, mass
testing at specific intervals should be integrated into the Pakistani
health system. A geographical analysis should be carried out to identify
high-risk areas and implement strict biological control to limit spread.
References
Burlet, P., Deplazes, P., & Hegglin, D. (2011). Age, season and
spatio-temporal factors affecting the prevalence of Echinococcus
multilocularis and Taenia taeniaeformis in Arvicola
terrestris. Parasites & vectors , 4 , 6.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-4-6
Wudneh, F., Gebeyehu, Y., & Anberbir, S. (2021). Asymptomatic Malaria
and Helminths Coinfection and Its Association with Anemia among Primary
School Children in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional
Study. Journal of tropical medicine , 2021 , 7742960.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7742960
Blum AJ, Majid MF, Hotez PJ (2018) Pakistan: A nation held
back by NTDs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 12(10): e0006751.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006751
Herrera, L. A., & Ostrosky-Wegman, P. (2001). Do helminths play a role
in carcinogenesis?. Trends in Parasitology , 17 (4),
172-175.