Control of helminth infections typically includes which two components?

• A. Anthelmintics; Eliminating the intermediate host
• B. Antibiotics; Disinfecting the room
• C. Vaccinations; Using antiviral drugs
• D. Antidiarrheals; Reducing the number of animals housed in the room

Answer: (A)

Control of helminth infections hinges on two complementary actions: treating infected animals to remove the worms and stopping transmission by interrupting the parasite’s life cycle. Anthelmintics are the drugs that kill or expel parasitic worms, reducing worm burden and the amount of eggs shed into the environment. However, relying on treatment alone can lead to reinfection unless the transmission pathway is also blocked. Eliminating the intermediate host disrupts the parasite’s development and spread, preventing new infections from taking hold.

Other options don’t target these two essential elements: antibiotics address bacteria, not helminths; vaccines or antivirals target other types of pathogens; and focusing solely on room disinfection or reducing animal numbers may reduce exposure but do not specifically interrupt the parasite’s life cycle or treat existing infections.