About Ascaris

The Ascaris roundworm is a parasitic intestinal worm. Though most common in pigs, the A. lumbricoides variety makes its home in humans. It has been estimated that 1.2 billion people are infected worldwide, with 4 million of them American. The health problems associated with Ascaris roundworm infection can lead to severe illness and even death, if left untreated. However, the Ascaris infection is treatable and the sufferer can live a normal and healthy life.

Basic Facts

• The female Ascaris roundworm can be nearly 40 cm long and weigh 9 grams while the male is 30 cm. They are white in color. The female can lay up to 200,000 eggs per day. These eggs pass through the intestine and end up in the feces of the host. Eggs are passed into new hosts by the mouth. Human infection with Ascaris roundworms is most common in tropical and sub-tropical areas with poor public sanitation. Once the egg is in the intestine, the Ascaris roundworm hatches and passes through to the lungs where it is coughed up and re-swallowed. Once re-swallowed, it makes its final home in the small intestine. Once here, it will use the digesting food in the intestines to survive, mate and hatch more eggs to spread the infection.

Health Problems

• The Ascaris roundworm causes a wide range of health problems. Often, an infected human isn't aware they are infected. By consuming the food of its host, the Ascaris roundworm can cause severe illness and even death if left untreated. Other health problems associated with the worm include affected cognitive abilities, granuloma, intestinal obstruction and a prolapsed rectum. These symptoms are common to many diseases and in most parts of the world do not indicate an Ascaris infection. But there are ways to know the difference.

Respiratory Symptoms

• A large collection of Ascaris larvae can cause a number of respiratory problems. These include a non-productive cough (a cough that doesn't resolve the lung irritation), shortness of breath, wheezing and fever. If a large number of Ascaris larvae are in the lungs, they can cause pneumonia. These symptoms occur early (4-16 days after ingestion), and many of them are indicators of other diseases including asthma and emphysema. If any or all of these symptoms become apparent, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• The gastrointestinal symptoms of Ascaris infection begin to occur 6-8 weeks after egg ingestion. These include occasional or insistent abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and/or the passage of worms from the mouth and anus. Left untreated, this infection could lead to jaundice, cachexia (loss of weight, muscle atrophy) and even mental retardation, especially in infected infants. Death can often occur if left untreated.

Treatment

• The best way to treat Ascaris infection is to prevent it in the first place. Always use proper hygiene when dealing with feces, including hand washing and proper disposal. Feces should be removed from any habitable area immediately and disposed of properly. When handling feces, always wear gloves and dispose of them immediately after use.
  If infection is suspected, immediately contact a doctor. There are many treatments for Ascaris infection. Inhalants can be used to treat early larval infection. Once the adults are established, there are several medications that can remove the worms. Benzimidazoles are the most common medical treatment for ascaris. These work directly on the worms themselves. Treatments for bowel obstruction include intravenous inflation, nasogastric suctioning and laparotomy.