Helminths

Abstract

Helminths affect more than one quarter of the world's population, contributing significantly to socioeconomic problems in developing countries. Control is heavily dependent on chemotherapy, which can be cost-effectively targeted to school-age children, in whom combined drug treatments work well. Drug resistance, however, is a constant threat. Human behaviour significantly influences transmission. New infections or foci are frequently reported and tourism exposes non-endemic individuals to serious risks. Infection and pathology are strongly influenced by genetic factors, which are now being defined. Immune responses contribute to both protection and pathology. Clarification of these responses is providing opportunities for vaccination and for the modulation of immunopathology.