Diseases caused by worms

Abstract

Worm disease, or helminthiasis, is caused by infection with parasitic worms. Depending on the type of infestation, the human being may be an intermediate, final, or accidental host. Worms are elongated, often segmented, legless lower animals. The system of worms is inconsistent. From a dermatological point of view, the following three substrains are of importance: roundworms (Nemathelminthes), flatworms (Platyhelminthes), ringlet or bristle worms (Annelida). Climatic factors, poor hygiene, and certain eating habits, especially in subtropical and tropical countries, favor the occurrence of numerous human infections caused by worms, which are often accompanied by skin symptoms. In temperate climates, the number of parasitic worms in humans is limited, but worm infections are often overlooked.