Intestinal helminths (None)

Intestinal helminths are large multicellular parasitic worms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. They belong mainly to three groups: 1. Nematodes (roundworms), characterized by cylindrical bodies with complete digestive tracts. 2. Platyhelminths (flatworms), which include trematodes (flukes) with unsegmented bodies and cestodes (tapeworms) with segmented bodies lacking digestive tracts. 3. Acanthocephalins ("thorny-headed" worms), less commonly discussed. These parasites feed on host nutrients while impairing nutrient absorption, often causing chronic infections known as helminthiasis. Adult forms cannot multiply within humans but produce eggs that exit into the environment for transmission. Helminth infections modulate the host immune system through secreted molecules that can suppress inflammatory responses or skew immunity toward type 2 helper T cell responses. This immunomodulation allows long-term survival within hosts. Infections occur worldwide but predominantly affect populations in low-income tropical regions where sanitation is poor. Control involves improved hygiene, sanitation measures, food safety practices, and administration of antiparasitic drugs. Because intestinal helminths represent whole organisms rather than single molecular entities like receptors or enzymes, they are not considered direct therapeutic targets themselves but rather targets at the organismal level for antiparasitic therapy[1][2][3][4][5][7].

Other names

Parasitic intestinal wormsintestinal parasitesgastrointestinal helminths

Mechanisms vary by drug class but generally include: - Inhibition of microtubule synthesis leading to impaired glucose uptake (e.g., albendazole, mebendazole) - Paralysis of parasite musculature via neurotransmission interference causing expulsion from gut (e.g., ivermectin) - Disruption of parasite tegument integrity leading to death (e.g., praziquantel)