Which laboratory result is a key indicator of successful helminth treatment?

Improved hemoglobin levels serve as a key indicator of successful helminth treatment for several reasons. Many helminth infections, such as hookworm, can lead to anemia due to blood loss or malabsorption of nutrients. As the infection is treated effectively, the patient's nutritional status improves, and the body can start to recover from the anemia caused by the parasite. Therefore, an increase in hemoglobin levels indicates that the patient is regaining the ability to produce healthy red blood cells and that the negative impact of the helminths on the body is being mitigated.

The other laboratory results provided may not directly correlate with the success of anthelmintic therapy in the same way. An increased white blood cell count might suggest an ongoing immune response to infection or inflammation, which does not necessarily pinpoint the resolution of a helminthic infection. A decreased platelet count could indicate other underlying issues such as infections, bleeding disorders, or bone marrow suppression, rather than specifically reflecting helminth treatment success. Elevated liver enzymes may suggest liver damage or dysfunction due to multiple factors including infections or toxicities, but they are not definitive indicators of the eradication of helminths. Thus, monitoring hemoglobin levels is a direct way to assess the success