General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkTrichuriasisAscariasisEchinococcosis
AgentTrichuris trichiuraAscaris lumbricoidesEchinococcus spp.
FamilyParasiteParasiteParasite
Paths and contextsEnvironment
Water and food
Environment
Water and food
Animal / zoonosis
Water and food
Environment
What distinguishes diseaseIntestinal Helminthiase transmitted by ingestion of eggs from fecal contaminated soil.Intestinal Helminthiasis acquired by ingestion of eggs in soil or on contaminated foods.Parasitic zoonose acquired by ingestion of eggs from the environment or contaminated animal hosts.
PreventionAccess to sanitation, hand hygiene and de-waisting programmes in heavily affected areas.Sanitation, hand and plant washing, and collective preventive treatment in the affected areas.Dog vermifugation, slaughterhouse hygiene, hand washing and safety of water and food.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringMicroscopic research of eggs in stool confirms infection; concentration techniques can help when eggs are few.Searching for eggs in stools is a usual examination. If a worm is observed, ask the professional how to document or transmit it without unnecessary manipulation.Ultrasonography plays a major role, supplemented if necessary by scanner or MRI. Serology can help; the stage of lesions guides the therapeutic choice.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Duration of diarrhoea and growth
  • Place of life and sanitation
  • Residence, floor and water exhibitors
  • Transit and pain
  • Full imaging and old exams
  • Place of residence and animal contacts

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Environment · Water and food. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.