Gut infections by worms are a major public health problem, mainly in the developing world (see Figure 1). Roundworm, whipworm and hookworm infect over 2.5 × 109 people (see Table 1), as well as their pets and cattle.
Although worm infection can result in death, a major problem is the effect that it has on everyday lives. Infection can last a long time and can have a debilitating effect. Infection occurs mainly in children and can be traumatic — resulting in malnutrition, which affects the child’s physical growth. Figure 2 shows a scientist in Kenya holding roundworms Ascaris lumbricoides, which were removed from a child’s intestine. It has also been reported that infected children can be affected mentally, with a reduction in verbal fluency and memory.
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