Soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome worms are transmitted through eggs that pass out of infected individuals in feces or urine and contaminate soil or water. Ingestion or skin contact during transmission stages can result in infection, depending on the species.

Adult worms live in the intestines, liver and/or blood vessels surrounding the urinary tract where they produce eggs which pass out of infected individuals in feces or urine and contaminate soil or water. Depending on the species, infection occurs by ingestion of eggs or skin contact with larvae. Adult worms do not multiply in the body. Their numbers increase through repeated infection from renewed contact with contaminated soil or water.

Symptoms of worm infections can include stomach pain, coughing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, swollen belly, blood in stools or urine, fatigue and listlessness. In the case of serious chronic infections, children may also be physically stunted. In rare cases, worms can lead to life threatening conditions.

Transmission of Soil-Transmitted Helminth

Transmission of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)