Which helminth infection is a significant cause of iron-deficiency anemia in children globally?

Which helminth infection is a significant cause of iron-deficiency anemia in children globally?

• A. Roundworms
• B. Hookworms
• C. Taenia
• D. Pinworms

Answer: (B)

Hookworms cause chronic blood loss from the intestinal mucosa, leading to iron-deficiency anemia, especially in children in settings with poor sanitation and frequent soil exposure. The larvae migrate through the skin, reach the small intestine where the adults attach to the mucosa and feed on blood, producing ongoing iron loss that gradually lowers hemoglobin and ferritin levels. This makes iron-deficiency anemia a common issue in endemic regions and a major cause of growth and cognitive impact in affected children. Other helminths do not typically cause this level of chronic iron loss. For example, roundworms can cause malnutrition and intestinal issues but not the characteristic blood loss driving iron deficiency; tapeworms like Taenia cause symptoms mainly from the parasite itself rather than significant blood loss; pinworms cause itching and nuisance symptoms without systemic anemia. Management involves treating the infection with anthelmintics such as albendazole or mebendazole and addressing the iron deficiency with supplementation, along with public health measures to prevent reinfection, including wearing shoes, improved sanitation, and deworming programs in endemic areas.

Hookworms cause chronic blood loss from the intestinal mucosa, leading to iron-deficiency anemia, especially in children in settings with poor sanitation and frequent soil exposure. The larvae migrate through the skin, reach the small intestine where the adults attach to the mucosa and feed on blood, producing ongoing iron loss that gradually lowers hemoglobin and ferritin levels. This makes iron-deficiency anemia a common issue in endemic regions and a major cause of growth and cognitive impact in affected children.

Other helminths do not typically cause this level of chronic iron loss. For example, roundworms can cause malnutrition and intestinal issues but not the characteristic blood loss driving iron deficiency; tapeworms like Taenia cause symptoms mainly from the parasite itself rather than significant blood loss; pinworms cause itching and nuisance symptoms without systemic anemia.

Management involves treating the infection with anthelmintics such as albendazole or mebendazole and addressing the iron deficiency with supplementation, along with public health measures to prevent reinfection, including wearing shoes, improved sanitation, and deworming programs in endemic areas.