Ascaris Facts

Ascaris is a roundworm that can live, and produce eggs in the human intestines. Young worms are capable of burrowing into the intestine wall and eventually entering the nearby blood vessels. If someone suspects infection by an Ascaris roundworm, he should seek medical attention.

Identification

• Ascaris lumbricoides are a type of roundworm that can be present in the small intestine. Ascariasis--human infection of the Ascaris roundworm--is the most commonly diagnosed human tapeworm infection. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--CDC--this condition can affect up to 1.5 billion people each year.

Diagnosis

• Typically, a doctor will request a stool sample which will be tested in a laboratory for the presence of the worm. Some individuals observe the worm as it is passed in their stool. In addition, the worm is sometimes coughed up by the infected individual. In this case, it is essential for the person to retain the specimen and take it to his or her doctor, as no blood test exists for the diagnoses of Ascaris infections.

Treatment

• According to the CDC, treatments for Ascaris infections typically last one to three days and consists of the use of prescription medications. Ascaris medications are usually successful and few side effects have been reported. Generally, follow-up treatment includes additional stool sample analysis completed seven to 14 after the initial treatment.