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Ascaris Lumbricoides Diagnosis

Ascaris lumbricoides is a nematode roundworm that infects a wide range of mammals, including humans. As a matter of fact, A. lumbricoides is the most common nematode parasite in humans. Infections occur when the eggs of the parasite that reside in the environment are ingested. This usually occurs in small children due to the increased tendency of children to play in the dirt and put their fingers into their mouths without washing them.

  1. Areas of Infection

    • A. lumbricoides can be found in tropical and subtropical regions all around the world, with South America, Africa and Asia being known for having high concentrations of the parasite. The parasite is so prevalent in humans that up to 1 billion active infections are estimated to be occurring at any one time.

    Background

    • Common infections of A. Lumbricoides generally begin with the ingestion of a small number of eggs, resulting in a low worm load. New infections rarely produce clinical symptoms of infection. However, as the infestation progresses, the infected individual can begin exhibiting symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea and fever. A potentially life-threatening condition known as a bolus can occur, blocking the intestinal tract, if large numbers of worms are present.

    Typical Diagnostic Procdure

    • Diagnosis is rarely made through visual inspection as symptoms related to A. lumbricoides mimic other conditions. A fecal sample is taken and submerged in a solution designed to release the eggs from the feces and float them to the top, where they are captured on a microscopic slide. The slide is then placed under a microscope and inspected for the presence of eggs. The more eggs found in the test, the more severe the infection is. Fecal smears accomplish the same results.

    Other Diagnositc Procedures

    • All male worm infections or infections that do not occur in the intestine are less common, however, they do occur. When a host is infected with all male worms, eggs will not be present in the feces and other measures are required to detect the presence of the parasite. Tests designed to detect the presence of A. lumbricoides when eggs are not present include CT scans and ultrasound images of the abdomen, intestinal tracts and bile ducts.

    Treatment/Prevention

    • Treatment with an adulticide intended to kill the adult worms is administered after an A. lumbricoides is confirmed. Mebendazole is the drug of choice in most cases, as it is known to kill many different internal parasite infections and has few side effects. Preventive measures focus around the sanitary disposal of fecal material and proper hand-washing methods.

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