Common helminthiases in pediatric practice
DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2024-7-3-13
S.V. Belmer
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Enterobiasis and ascariasis are the most prevalent helminthic diseases encountered in pediatric practice within the Russian Federation. Both diseases are caused by roundworms, namely pinworms and ascarids, respectively. Pinworm parasites in the intestines of a child. Female pin-worms emerge from the anus and deposit eggs in the perianal folds, which is accompanied by severe pruritus, the primary symptom of this disease. Reinfection may result from scratching the perianal region and subsequent ingestion of eggs. The treatment of enterobiasis commences with the implementation of a patient hygiene regimen to prevent reinfection. Pharmacological treatment entails the administration of albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel. Ascaridosis is a geohelminth disease. In the absence of adherence to established hygiene protocols, ascarid eggs may gain access to the body from the external environment. Ascarid larvae from the intestines may gain access to the lungs via the bloodstream, resulting in the development of respiratory symptoms. Adult worms reside in the intestines and cause abdominal discomfort. Albendazole is an efficacious and safe medication for the treatment of ascaridosis in children. It is of the utmost importance to diagnose helminth infections at an early stage and to implement preventative measures. The most effective method of prevention is adherence to personal hygiene practices. These factors are of the utmost importance in further reducing the incidence of helminth infections.
Keywords: enterobiasis, pinworms, ascaridosis, ascarids, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention, albendazole.
For citation: Belmer S.V. Common helminthiases in pediatric practice. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2024;7(3):281–285 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2024-7-3-13.
About the author:
Sergey V. Belmer — Dr. Sc. (Med.), professor of the Department Hospital Pediatrics No. 2 of the Pediatric Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University; 1, Ostrovityanov str., Moscow, 117437, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-1228-443X.
Contact information: Sergey V. Belmer, e-mail: belmersv@mail.ru.
Financial Disclosure: the author has no a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interest.
Received 18.07.2024.
Revised 12.08.2024.
Accepted 04.09.2024.
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