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Ascaris Lumbricoides Treatment

Ascaris lumbrocoides, or the human intestinal roundworm, is the largest intestinal nematode that infects humans. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is also the most common type of intestinal worm. This parasite is spread via human feces, and is most common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices, or where untreated human waste is used for fertilizer. If untreated, these worms can seriously affect patients' health.

  1. Symptoms

    • Many people infected with ascaris lumbrocoides never show symptoms at all. The National Institutes of Health estimate that around a billion people are affected by this parasite worldwide. When symptoms do appear, they include cough and bloody sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing, stomach pain, worms in the stool, and low-grade fever. Some people may get a rash, vomit worms, or suffer from worms exiting through the mouth or nose. Infected people may also show signs of malnutrition.

    Prognosis

    • Many people recover from roundworm symptoms, even without treatment, but continue to carry worms in their bodies. Adult worms may multiply and create intestinal blockages, or move to other organs, causing serious complications. Bile tract obstruction and perforation of the gut are both possible. Migrating larvae may also transmit bacteria and other organisms. When treated, most people recover fully.

    Treatment

    • Ascaris lumbrocoides infestations are usually treated using benzamidazoles, such as Mebendazole or Albendazole. Some doctors avoid this type of drug during the first year of an infant's life, and in pregnant women. Ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate may be used when the usual drugs are not appropriate. Once treatment is complete, it's important for sufferers to practice preventive measures to avoid reinfection.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Improved hygiene and sanitation practices are required to reduce the risk of infection and avoid reinfection in people who have received treatment. In areas where roundworm infestation is common, patients may receive routine treatment with deworming medications to prevent problems later on. Ascaris lumbrocoides eggs can persist in the environment for many years, so caution is required.

    Risks

    • While the risk of Ascaris lumbrocoides is highest in non-industrialized countries with poor sanitation, roundworm infections do still occur in other areas. High risk groups include people who travel internationally, recent immigrants, international adoptees, and refugees. Cross infection may also occur in some areas where pigs tend to be infected with roundworms. People with a history of consuming earth, people with pets in the house, and those with regular exposure to dirt may also be at some risk.

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