Helminthiasis

1 medicine

Helminthiasis is a parasitic worm infection, including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms, usually treated with a short course of antiparasitic medicine.

Albenza

Albendazole

400mg

Albenza is a antiparasitics medication containing Albendazole, available as 400mg tablets.

from $0.47 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Helminthiasis is infection by parasitic worms, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.
  • Transmission happens through contact with contaminated soil or water, often where sanitation and clean water access are limited.
  • Most infections respond well to a short course of antiparasitic medicine; albendazole is the most widely used, effective against a broad range of intestinal worms.
  • Blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms persisting after treatment need medical review.

What helminthiasis is

Helminthiasis refers to infection by parasitic worms, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Transmission happens through contact with contaminated soil or water, particularly where sanitation and clean water access are limited, and it remains one of the most common infections worldwide.

Symptoms

Many worm infections cause no symptoms at all, especially when the worm burden is low. When symptoms do appear, they typically include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. Some worms cause itching around the anus, particularly at night, while heavier or long-standing infections can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia or, in children, slowed growth and poor concentration. Coughing can occur during the early lung phase of some roundworm infections, before the worms settle in the gut.

How worm infections are treated

Most helminth infections respond well to a short course of antiparasitic medicine. Albendazole is the most widely used treatment, effective against a broad range of intestinal worms and often taken as a single dose or short course depending on the specific parasite. Repeat treatment or stool testing is sometimes needed to confirm the infection has cleared, particularly with heavier infestations.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you notice blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms that persist after treatment, as some infections, such as tapeworm cysts or liver flukes, need a different approach.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.