The impact of our research
Our researchers are breaking new ground in the fight against parasitic worms and neglected parasitic diseases.
We’ve developed a vaccine against schistosomes - a type of parasitic worm that infects 200 million people worldwide and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.
We’re leading the mission to eliminate one of the world’s most neglected and dangerous tropical diseases. Strongyloidiasis is endemic to remote Indigenous communities across Australia and can be fatal.
Our scientists played a key role in developing an innovative health education program to reduce the prevalence of intestinal worms. The Magic Glasses cartoon successfully taught children in China how to avoid parasitic worm infection, and the program is now being trialled in the Philippines.
About intestinal worms
Intestinal worms, or parasitic worms, survive by living inside a host, including humans. Most cause only mild illnesses and can be treated with medication.
However, some intestinal worm infections can lead to severe illness, including schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and echinococcosis.
Worms disrupt people’s ability to absorb nutrients, so impede the growth and physical development of millions of children.
Worms spread differently, depending on the species. Many worm infections occur when someone inadvertently swallows a worm’s eggs by being barefoot outdoors and larvae penetrating the skin, eating undercooked meat, having contact with infected soil, eating foods grown in infected soil, or having contact with faeces or the coat of a dog infected with tapeworm. The eggs then hatch inside the bowel.
Worms affect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Children are disproportionately affected by intestinal worms.
Symptoms of intestinal worms vary depending on the type of worm involved. Common symptoms can include:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- nausea or vomiting
- fatigue
Infection with hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms can result in severe disability and malnutrition. Not only does this hinder growth and cognitive development, but these infections can be fatal.
Australia’s excellent sanitation and climate mean that most intestinal worm infections only cause mild illness.
Despite this, many worms can infect people’s bowels, including:
- threadworms
- tapeworms
- whipworms
- hookworms
- Strongyloides
Strongyloidiasis disease is the most serious intestinal worm infection in Australia. It is caused by the parasitic worm, Strongyloides stercoralis, and can be fatal. It is endemic to remote Indigenous communities across Australia.
Treatment for intestinal worms depends upon the species of parasite. New diagnostics, treatments, and other control interventions are urgently needed to combat diseases caused by intestinal worm parasites.