What group of pathogens is responsible for abdominal pain, anemia, and respiratory complications?

Parasitic worms, also known as helminths, are a group of pathogens that can cause a variety of significant health issues, including abdominal pain, anemia, and respiratory complications. These organisms, which include types like roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes, often invade the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain due to the physical presence of the worms and the inflammatory response they provoke.

Anemia can result from parasitic infections because some species feed on blood or interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to a decrease in red blood cell production or an increased rate of destruction. This is particularly common with hookworms, which attach to the intestinal wall and cause blood loss, potentially leading to iron-deficiency anemia.

Respiratory complications may arise when certain parasitic worms migrate through the lungs during their life cycle, causing coughing or other respiratory symptoms. For instance, the larvae of Ascaris lumbricoides can migrate from the intestines to the lungs, leading to a condition known as Loeffler’s syndrome, characterized by respiratory distress due to the inflammatory response triggered by the larvae in the lung tissues.

This multifaceted impact on various systems within the body clarifies why parasitic worms are linked to these specific symptoms