Geohelminths

Geohelminthiases are the most widespread parasitic diseases in the world, accounting for over 1.5 billion infections. Such diseases are caused by soil transmitted helminths (STHs), represented by parasitic nematodes of different families and genera. The nematodes specific to humans are mainly agents of intestinal diseases at their adult stage, while most pathogenic effects of the zoonotic species are related to larval aberrant migrations in different host anatomical sites. The incidence of STHs is particularly high in tropical and sub-tropical conditions where poverty and low hygiene conditions may favor their persistence. Here, biological aspects of the parasitic life cycles and medical features related to clinical findings and diagnosis of such diseases are described.