Archives of Digestive Disorders

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44-1518081136

Mini Review - Archives of Digestive Disorders (2025) Volume 7, Issue 3

Helminthic infections: Control, discovery, impact

Hassan Youssef*

Department of GI Health, Cairo University, Egypt

*Corresponding Author:
Hassan Youssef
Department of GI Health
Cairo University, Egypt.
E-mail: hyouef@cu.edu.eg

Received : 14-Jul-2025, Manuscript No. AAADD-25-204; Editor assigned : 16-Jul-2025, PreQC No. AAADD-25-204(PQ); Reviewed : 05-Aug-2025, QC No AAADD-25-204; Revised : 14-Aug-2025, Manuscript No. AAADD-25-204(R); Published : 25-Aug-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/ aaadd-7.3.204

Citation: Youssef H. Helminthic infections: Control, discovery, impac. Arch Dig Disord. 2025;07(03):204.

Visit for more related articles at Archives of Digestive Disorders

Introduction

Schistosomiasis, a major helminthic infection, continues to pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly in endemic regions. Current drug discovery efforts are critically examining existing therapies and exploring novel compounds and approaches to combat drug resistance and enhance treatment efficacy. While praziquantel remains the mainstay, researchers are actively seeking new, more effective solutions to curb the disease's burden, especially in light of emerging resistance [1].

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are also among the most prevalent parasitic infections, predominantly affecting vulnerable populations worldwide. Efforts toward their elimination face hurdles like high re-infection rates, inadequate sanitation, and challenges in mass drug administration. Achieving true elimination requires a multi-pronged approach combining improved infrastructure, consistent treatment, and robust community engagement beyond just medication [2].

Beyond direct parasitic effects, research indicates a complex interplay between helminth infections and metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. A systematic review and meta-analysis specifically highlighted how chronic helminthic exposure might influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Understanding these intricate interactions could open new avenues for diabetes management, especially crucial in regions where both conditions are highly prevalent [3].

Helminth infections also exert a profound impact on the host immune system, often leading to chronic immune modulation that can affect responses to other pathogens and critical vaccines. These parasitic infections leave an 'immunological imprint,' thereby altering the efficacy and durability of vaccine-induced immunity. This suggests that addressing helminthic co-infections could be vital for optimizing global vaccination strategies and achieving broader public health goals [4].

Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, remains a leading cause of epilepsy in many low-income countries. Reviews of this condition outline the current understanding of its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, emphasizing ongoing challenges in control and elimination efforts. Despite advancements in medical science, comprehensive strategies encompassing public health and veterinary interventions are still crucial for effective management [5].

Lymphatic filariasis, a debilitating helminthic disease, continues to affect millions, leading to severe lymphedema and hydrocele. An overview of recent advancements in drug discovery efforts aims at identifying new antifilarial compounds and improving existing treatment regimens. Effective drug discovery is thus essential for achieving the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating this neglected tropical disease [6].

Vaccines represent a critical tool in the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) caused by helminths, but their development faces significant hurdles. Current reviews discuss the progress in helminth vaccine research, highlighting both successes and the persistent challenges in achieving broad-spectrum, effective immunity. While promising vaccine candidates exist, bringing them to clinical use requires overcoming complex immunological and logistical barriers [7].

The relationship between helminthic infections and cancer development is another fascinating area of research, with evidence suggesting both protective and oncogenic roles depending on the parasite species and host factors. Narrative reviews explore the complex mechanisms underlying these interactions, from chronic inflammation to intricate immune modulation, revealing the nuanced ways parasites can influence severe non-communicable diseases [8].

Foodborne trematodiasis continues to be a significant public health issue, particularly in certain endemic regions, often linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. A systematic analysis quantified the global burden of these infections in 2019, providing crucial data for targeted interventions and public health strategies to better focus efforts [9].

Finally, soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) profoundly affect child health in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing significantly to malnutrition, impaired cognitive development, and reduced school attendance. Reviews synthesize the current understanding of their epidemiology, impact, and control measures in the region. Sustained control programs and improved WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives are vital for safeguarding the health and future of children in these vulnerable communities [10].

 

Conclusion

Helminthic infections, including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs), pose significant global public health challenges, particularly in endemic regions. Current drug discovery efforts focus on novel compounds to combat resistance and enhance treatment efficacy for diseases like schistosomiasis, where praziquantel remains the mainstay. For STHs, elimination hurdles such as re-infection and inadequate sanitation necessitate a multi-pronged approach beyond just medication, integrating improved infrastructure, consistent treatment, and community engagement. The complex interplay between helminth infections and metabolic disorders, specifically Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, suggests new avenues for diabetes management by understanding their influence on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Helminth infections also profoundly impact the host immune system, creating an 'immunological imprint' that alters vaccine responses and highlighting the importance of addressing co-infections for global vaccination strategies. Neurocysticercosis, a leading cause of epilepsy in low-income countries, still requires comprehensive public health and veterinary interventions for control. Similar drug discovery advancements are critical for lymphatic filariasis to achieve its elimination goals. Despite promising candidates, developing broad-spectrum helminth vaccines faces complex immunological and logistical barriers. Research further explores the nuanced relationship between helminthic infections and cancer development, noting both protective and oncogenic roles. Quantifying the global burden of foodborne trematodiasis provides crucial data for targeted interventions. Lastly, STHs severely affect child health in Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the vital role of sustained control programs and WASH initiatives for vulnerable communities.

References

    1. Sutthisak U, Montakarn S, Suchart C. Schistosomiasis: Current status, recent advances, and future challenges in drug discovery. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2024;63(4):107050.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Shweta A, R KB, Manoj KC. Global status of soil-transmitted helminthiases: challenges and prospects for elimination. Parasitol Res. 2024;123(2):63.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Yanan Z, Meng M, Run L. Impact of Helminth Infections on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis. 2023;8(9):449.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Toibat S, Stephen KO, Chika OA. The immunological imprint of helminth infections on vaccine responses. Front Immunol. 2023;14:1168019.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Hector HG, Theodore EN, A CWJ. Neurocysticercosis: current status and challenges. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2023;36(4):307-313.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Taiwo SA, Adewole MA, Adekunle MA. Drug discovery for lymphatic filariasis: recent advances and future perspectives. Parasit Vectors. 2022;15(1):331.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Peter JH, Jeffrey MB, Alex L. Current progress and challenges in the development of vaccines against neglected tropical diseases caused by helminths. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2021;17(3):887-897.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Melania N, Marzia P, Matteo B. Helminthic Infections and Cancer: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms. 2022;11(1):28.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Banchob S, Sasithorn K, Narong K. Global burden of foodborne trematodiasis in 2019: a systematic analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;6(11):927-938.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Rachel LP, S ZM, Joseph LS. Soil-transmitted helminths and their impact on child health in sub-Saharan Africa: a review. Adv Parasitol. 2020;109:43-77.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

Get the App