Human Soil-transmitted Helminths and Lung Infections: A Guide Review for Respiratory Therapists

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths are among the neglected tropical diseases, although some 1.5 billion individuals are affected. Traveling to endemic regions, global immigration, and increase of immunocompromised cases, in addition to other factors, have an influence on global susceptibility to these parasites. These helminth parasites can affect the human respiratory system during their life cycles either directly or indirectly. A better understanding of all aspects related to these parasites will assist respiratory therapists in putting together a proper diagnosis and management. This review covers the morphology, life cycles, epidemiology, clinical aspects, glance about laboratory diagnosis, and control of soil-transmitted helminths.