Ascariasis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ascariasis Definition

Ascariasis is a human disease. Ascarasis is most common in tropical areas and in areas where farmers use human stool as fertilizer. A disease caused by infestation with worms of the genus Ascaris. Ascaris eggs are found in the soil. Infection occurs when a person accidently ingests (swallows) infective ascaris eggs.

It is also known as roundworm infection. Around one billion people are infected by the ascariasis in a worldwide.

Ascariasis causes

Ascariasis is the most common infestation that is caused by Ascaris Lumbricoides. Ascariasis is the most common intestinal worm infection. Ascariasis never passes directly from person to person. About two months after you first get ascariasis, the mature worms begin laying eggs in your intestine. Ascariasis infestation can cause pain and even obstruction. Ascariasis occurs in all ages, though children seem to be affected more severely than adults.

Within two months after you first get ascariasis, the mature worms begin laying eggs in your intestine. The microscopic eggs travel through your digestive system and eventually can be found in your feces. Eggs require 10 to 14 days in soil at warm temperatures to become capable of infecting a new host, and may be remained viable in the soil for up to six years. Adult female worms can grow over 12 inches in length, adult males are smaller.

Ascariasis symptoms

The symptoms of a ascariasis or roundworm infection may include:

• fever
• cough
• Weight loss
• wheezing
• Skin rash
• bloating
• vomiting
• Fatigue
• bloody sputum
• shortness of breath
• Severe abdominal pain
• flatulence, or excess gas
• A worm in vomit or stool
• abdominal distress, including cramps
• Worms exiting through the nose or mouth

Ascariasis treatments

No specific treatment exists for migratory infection because anthelmintics affect only mature worms. Vitamin A supplementation improved growth development of children in Zaire.

The treatment includes antihelminthic drugs which is more specific to the round worm which is:

• Albendazole 400 mg orally once is an acceptable alternative.
• Mebendazole 100mg orally twice daily for 3 days or 500mg once is the treatment of choice.

Drug therapy with mebendazole or albendazole is the primary treatment.

Pharmaceutical treatments of a ascariasis or roundworm infection may be:

• Mebendazole.
• Piperazine
• Pyrantel pamoate
• Albendazole
• Thiabendazole