what is a helminth
Ascaris is the name of a particular helminth, and Ascariasis is the name of the infectious disease caused by this helminth. Helminths are worm-like organisms living in and feeding on living hosts, receiving nourishment and protection while disrupting their hosts' nutrient absorption, causing weakness and disease.he nematodes are the most diverse of all the helminths with the highest number of species. Characteristics that are common for all helminths include: Life time: 1  The life time of adult worms varies tremendously from one species to another but is generally in the range of 1 to 8 years (see following table).