Download ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF HELMINTHES

S. A. Pingle
F. Y. B. Sc. Economic Importance of Helminthes
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF HELMINTHES
Platyhelminthes and nematods or round worms together constitute helminthes. Many of
the helminthes are endoparasitic worms live in gut and blood of human body and cause various
diseases. These diseases are collectively called as helminthiasis.
These parasites cause various diseases, illness and death. Several helminthes parasitize
live stocks, poultry etc.
The disease causing helminthes are included under three classes- Trematoda, Cestoda and
Nematoda. The diseases caused by these helminthes are discussed below.
1. Trematoda
Name of the
helminth
Disease caused
Organ infected
Symptoms
Spreads by
Fasciola
Fasciolopsis
Schistosoma
Schistosomiasis
Cause erosion of
intestinal linings
Blood stream
By eating water
nuts
-
Paragonimus
Paragonimiasis
Lungs
Bleeding, diarrhea,
nausea, pain
Asthamatic attacks,
hepatitis, fever,
sweating, diarrhea,
weight loss
Chronic cough and
emission of bloody
sputum
Name of the
helminth
Disease caused
Organ infected
Taenia solium
Gastrointestinal
disorders
Gastrointestinal
disorders
-
Stomach, Intestine
Name of the
helminth
Disease caused
Organ infected
Symptoms
Spreads by
Ascaris
Ascariasis
Intestine
Abdominal pain,
Contaminated
Eating
undercooked
crabs and
crayfishes
2. Cestoda
Taenia saginata
Echinococcus
Stomach, Intestine
Liver, Lungs and
Brain & kidneys
under severe
infection
Symptoms
Hunger, pain, anemic
conditions
Hunger, pain, anemic
conditions
Cysts develop in liver
and lungs. Fatal if
infection reaches kidney
and brain
Spreads by
Uncooked pork
Uncooked beef
Contaminated
food or water
3. Nematoda
S. A. Pingle
F. Y. B. Sc. Economic Importance of Helminthes
Ancylostoma
(Hook worm)
Ancylostomiasis
Intestine
Enterobius
(Pin worm)
Enterobiosis
Stomach, intestine,
rectum, colon, anal
ring
Trichinella
Trichinosis
Intestine
Wuchereria
Filaria or
Elephantiasis
Lymphatic system of
body
weakness, vomiting,
headache, dizziness,
gritting of teeth in
sleep.
Gastrointestinal
disorders, anemia,
nervous disorders
Itching at anal ring,
loss of appetite, bed
wetting, grinding of
teeth, nausea, vomiting
Nausea, vomiting,
fever, edema of face
Enlargement of limbs,
scrotum and mammae
Fig: Elephantiasis caused by Wuchereria
food, raw
vegetables,
fruits
Contaminated
food
Contaminated
food or water
Raw meat,
especially pork
By Culex
mosquito