Ascariasis

Ascariasis is the most common type of intestinal infection caused by the parasitic round worm, Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides). It is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. 

The parasite flourishes in regions of poor sanitation, where water and food are contaminated with human feces. It is transmitted by ingestion of food and water contaminated with the eggs of the round worm. 

The larvae hatch in the intestine and cause gastrointestinal disease. Infection is initially asymptomatic, but can cause intestinal obstruction. 

Diagnosis is based on testing blood and stool samples for the presence of the worm. Anti-parasitic drugs are used to treat ascariasis.

Early stages of Ascariasis remain asymptomatic.

Ascariasis is the most common type of intestinal infection caused by the parasitic round worm, Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides).

 It is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The parasite flourishes in regions of poor sanitation, where water and food are contaminated with human feces. It is transmitted by ingestion of food and water contaminated with the eggs of the round worm. 

The larvae hatch in the intestine and cause gastrointestinal disease. Infection is initially asymptomatic, but can cause intestinal obstruction. 

Diagnosis is based on testing blood and stool samples for the presence of the worm. Anti-parasitic drugs are used to treat ascariasis.

Ingestion of eggs of round worm, A.lumbricoides, causes ascariasis. A person gets infected by having food or water contaminated with the eggs of the round worm. In many countries, poor sanitation causes human feces to mix with water. 

Unwashed fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil also may lead to transmission of parasitic eggs. Ingested eggs of the round worm hatch in the intestine. The larvae penetrate the intestinal wall and enter the blood stream, through which they migrate to the lungs. 

From the lungs they travel to the throat where they are coughed up and swallowed. Back in the intestine, they grow into adults, with male worms slightly smaller than females. Mating occurs in the small intestine and the eggs move out of the body along with the feces. 

The eggs remain in soil for few days and within 18 days they become infective again. The cycle repeats in a different host after ingestion and takes about two to three months. A parasitic worm can live inside the host for more than a year. 

Major risk factors for ascariasis are age, warm climate, and poor sanitation. Ascariasis is most commonly seen in children below 10 years. Countries with warm climate and poor sanitation are more likely to have round worm infestations.

Blood and stool sample test are the diagnostic tests for ascariasis. Early stages of parasitic infestation remain asymptomatic.

In ascariasis, stool tests reveal the presence of eggs and larvae of the worm in stool. This usually happens after 40 days of infection. Blood test shows higher levels of eosinophils. 

Many imaging techniques also help in the diagnosis of parasitic infestation. X-ray images show mass of worms in the intestine. It can also detect the presence of larvae in lungs. Ultrasound images are used to locate worms in the pancreas and liver. 

CT scan and MRI are other imaging techniques that are used to obtain detailed images of the internal structure. Obstruction of intestine, liver, and pancreas can be detected by these images. 

In some cases, ascariasis resolves on its own without any special treatment. In other cases, treatment control the infection of round worm. 

The standard treatment for ascariasis include anti-parasitic medications like albendazole, ivermectin, and mebendazole. When taken for two to three days these medications are effective in killing the adult helminths that infest the intestine. 

These medication may cause some mild side effects like abdominal pain or diarrhea. 

Surgical removal of worms is recommended in heavy infestation of Ascaris. Surgery is also useful in repairing the internal damage like intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, bile duct obstruction, and appendicitis. 

Good sanitation and hygienic practices are the best ways to prevent ascariasis. 

Washing hands before handling food, and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking, prevent contamination. 

Taking adequate precautions while travelling also go a long way in controlling infection. 

A few alternative and homeopathic remedies exist for Ascariasis.

Natrum mur, cina maritima, Sulphur, mercurius solubilis, sabadilla, santoninum and kali mur are suggested in homeopathy to control round worm infection. 

Pumpkin seeds, paico leaves, and garlic are the simple home remedies to get rid of round worms. Torrya seed can be used with chinaberry bark, quisqualis fruit and black plum to control the symptoms of infection.

Lifestyle modifications are necessary in order to prevent Ascariasis.

Good hygienic practices are important to prevent and control round worm infestation. Washing hands before food, and washing fruits and vegetables before cooking help to prevent contamination of food.

Most cases of ascariasis may not cause any complications. Heavy infestation of round worm leads to intestinal blockage, duct blockages, malnutrition, and slowed growth in children.