Parasitic Diseases in Children

ABSTRACT

Some parasitic diseases are more prevalent in children than in adults. Such agespecific diseases usually result from the mode of infection. Enterobiasis and head lice infestations are contact-borne. Congenital toxoplasmosis is a transplacental infection. Hepatic capillariasis results from contact with an environment contaminated with cat stools. Enterobiasis is the most common helminthic disease in children. The diagnosis and treatment is difficult because of its characteristic life cycle eggs are present at the end of the life of the female adult worm. Vigorous screening and repeated chemotherapy for the entire family and contact group are required. Recently, there have been reports of congenital toxoplasmosis. There may be an increase in the number of cases of toxoplasmosis owing to the increase in the number of stray cats. Cryptosporidiosis does not evoke serious illness in immunocompetent children, while severe diarrhea can occur in immunocompromised children. One case of hepatic capillariasis has been reported in Korea. Owing to its high morbidity and mortality, prompt diagnosis and treatment are required. Head lice infestation is easy to diagnose and is still an indication of public health status. Mass screening and prevention are required. In local clinics, parasitic diseases are rarely suspected, since their incidence is very low and the symptoms are usually non-specific, except in a few parasitic diseases. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the symptoms and past history and appropriate laboratory tests are necessary.