What is the main route of transmission for helminth infections?

The primary route of transmission for helminth infections is the fecal-oral route. This occurs when infectious eggs or larvae from feces contaminate food, water, or surfaces, which are then ingested by a host. Many helminths, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, have life cycles that depend on this route, making it a significant pathway for their spread.

In many cases, individuals can become infected by consuming inadequately cooked or unwashed food, drinking contaminated water, or through hand-to-mouth contact after handling contaminated surfaces. The fecal-oral route emphasizes the importance of sanitation, hygiene, and proper food handling in preventing helminth infections.

Routes like direct contact, respiratory transmission, and vector-borne methods are less common for helminths, as these parasites are typically adapted to thrive in the gastrointestinal tract, with their eggs or larvae being primarily shed in feces.