Question

Helminthic diseases are transmitted through
a. Food
b. Dirty hands
c. Contaminated soil
d. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The diseases that are caused by macro parasites or worms are called helminthic diseases. Ascariasis, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides and filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti are examples of helminthic diseases.

Complete answer:
- There are various types of helminthic diseases and their symptoms vary depending upon the site of infestation of the body, type and number of worms involved, etc.
- But the pathogens of the helminthic diseases often live in the gastrointestinal tract of their host and cause physiological damage. For example, in ascariasis, the roundworms infect the human intestine. Blockage of the intestinal passage, intestinal pain, fever, anaemia, etc. are some common symptoms of this and other helminthic diseases.
- The infected person excretes the eggs of the parasites along with the faeces which then contaminates the soil, water, plants, etc. House Flies transmit the parasites from faeces of an infected person to the food and water that contaminates them.
- So, these diseases are transmitted to the healthy person through several ways like intake of contaminated food and water, dirty hands or through intake of contaminated soil by children. The soil may contain the eggs of the parasites which on entering the body causes disease.
- Some helminthic diseases also spread from one human being to another through the bite of mosquitoes. For example, filariasis spreads by the bite of Culex mosquitoes.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Helminthic diseases can be diagnosed by the stool test, serological assays, antigen tests and molecular diagnosis. These can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene, proper disposal of faeces, preventing the breeding of houseflies that acts as the mechanical carrier of most helminthic diseases.