Roundworm Disease

Ingestion of food or drink contaminated with the eggs of the roundworm, and their subsequent hatching, results in an infection called Ascariasis, or as it is commonly called, Roundworm disease.

Geography

• Roundworm disease is a common parasitic infection in Africa, China, South East Asia, Central America and South America, anywhere with a climate that is warm and moist. It is not as prevalent in the United Kingdom or United States but does occur.

Features

• Roundworm disease often exhibits no symptoms at all. When symptoms appear, they exhibit as a cough perhaps with bloody sputum, wheezing, low-grade fever with or without accompanying skin rash and the presence of worms in vomit or diarrhea stool. Worms may also be seen exiting the nose or mouth. Those infected with roundworms may exhibit signs of malnutrition.

Treatment

• An anti-parasitic is usually prescribed to someone with roundworm disease. In some cases eosinophilic pneumonia develops when roundworm larvae move through the bloodstream and into the lungs. This requires an antibiotic. In extreme cases, blockage of the intestines may occur if there is an infestation of a large amount of roundworms. Endoscopy is then performed, and as a last resort, surgery.

Significance

• Most people with ringworm disease recover with or without treatment, though they continue to carry the roundworms in their bodies. Complications may occur if the roundworms multiply or infect certain organs.

Considerations

• The eggs of the roundworm are ingested through intake of food or drink containing them or from placing fingers that have touched them into one's mouth. They are also present in soil and more prevalent in areas where there is less personal hygiene due to lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation and crowded living conditions.

Warnings

• Left untreated, roundworm disease can cause more serious health problems and even death in rare cases from complications arising from them. If you think you have come in contact with a person or animal that has roundworm disease, or that you may be infected, consult a physician for testing and treatment if necessary.