Population dynamics of human helminth infections: control by chemotherapy

Abstract
An analysis is presented of the population dynamics of the major helminth parasites of man with the aim of understanding observed patterns in the age-specific prevalence and intensity of infection. Mathematical models are used to investigate the possibility of controlling helminth diseases by mass chemotherapy and to explore the advantages of selective treatment of the most heavily infected individuals in a community. [Prevalence data of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator, Ancylostoma, Trichuris trichiura, Wuchereria banerofti, Schistosoma haematobium and Onchocerca volvulus were used].