Ascariasis

Ascariasis is a parasitic infection caused by roundworms. These worms are tiny, but they rely on your body to grow and reproduce. They start as larvae or eggs and develop into adult worms inside you. These adult worms can be quite long, sometimes more than a foot (30 centimeters) in length. They reproduce within your body, making the infection spread.

Many people who get ascariasis don't experience any noticeable problems. However, if the infection is moderate or severe, different symptoms can appear, depending on where the worms are located in the body.

If you're experiencing ongoing stomach pain, frequent diarrhea, or feelings of nausea, it's important to see your doctor. These symptoms could be signs of a health problem that needs medical attention. Don't ignore these issues; a doctor can help determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.

Ascariasis, a parasitic infection, isn't passed directly from one person to another. It's spread through contact with soil contaminated with human or pig waste. This waste contains the tiny eggs of the ascaris worm. Contaminated water can also spread the infection. In some parts of the world where sanitation is less developed, human waste is sometimes used as fertilizer, or it might get mixed into the soil in gardens, ditches, or fields.

People can also get ascariasis by eating raw or undercooked infected pig or chicken liver.

Young children, especially, are at risk. They often play in the dirt and may put their hands in their mouths, unknowingly bringing the parasite into their bodies. Even unwashed fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil can carry the infection. So, proper handwashing and food preparation are very important in preventing ascariasis.

Ascariasis, a parasitic infection, is more common in certain situations. Here are some of the key risk factors:

• Age: Many people infected with roundworms (ascaris) are children, particularly those under 10 years old. This is because young children often spend more time playing outdoors where they might come into contact with the parasite. The parasite lives in the soil and can easily contaminate their hands or things they touch.

• Climate: Ascariasis is more prevalent in warm climates. In the United States, this means parts of the Southeast are more affected. However, in places with hot weather year-round, like many developing countries, the risk is higher. This is because warm, humid conditions are ideal for the parasite's survival and spread in the environment.

• Sanitation: In countries with less advanced sanitation systems, human waste often mixes with the soil. This contaminated soil becomes a source of infection for people who come into contact with it. This is a major risk factor in the development of ascariasis. For example, if children play in areas where human waste has been disposed of improperly, they're more likely to get infected. Good sanitation practices, including proper sewage disposal, are crucial in preventing the spread of this parasite.

Ascariasis, a worm infection, usually isn't a big problem in mild cases. However, a severe infection can lead to some serious complications.

Problems from a heavy worm load:

• Growth problems: When there are many worms, a child's appetite might decrease, and their bodies might not absorb nutrients properly from food. This can mean they don't get enough nourishment, which can slow their growth. It's like their bodies aren't getting the building blocks they need to grow.
• Blockages and holes: A large number of worms can clump together and block parts of the intestines. This causes intense stomach pain and throwing up. This blockage can even create a hole in the intestinal wall or the appendix. A hole can lead to internal bleeding (a hemorrhage) or an infection in the appendix (appendicitis).
• Organ blockages: Sometimes, worms can get stuck in the small tubes (ducts) that connect to the liver or pancreas. This can cause significant pain in these areas. These blockages can be very uncomfortable.

Preventing Roundworm Infections (Ascariasis)

The best way to avoid getting roundworms (ascariasis) is to practice good hygiene and common sense. Here's how:

Keep your hands clean: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food. This is a crucial step to prevent the spread of germs, including those that cause ascariasis. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Also, pay attention to washing fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. Dirt and parasites can hide on these, so washing them well is very important.

Be careful when traveling: When traveling to areas where ascariasis is more common, it's important to be extra cautious about what you eat and drink. Stick to bottled water. Avoid eating raw vegetables unless you can thoroughly peel and wash them yourself. This helps minimize your risk of swallowing roundworm eggs that might be present in unwashed produce. If you're unsure about the safety of the water or food, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose safer options.

Diagnosing ascariasis, a parasitic worm infection, often involves a combination of methods. Your doctor will likely start by discussing your symptoms.

In severe cases, you might cough up or vomit worms, or they might come out through other openings like your mouth or nose. If this happens, bring the worm to your doctor. They can identify the type of worm and recommend the right treatment.

Female ascariasis worms live in your intestines and produce eggs. These eggs travel through your digestive system and end up in your stool.

A crucial way to diagnose ascariasis is by examining a stool sample. The doctor will look for tiny, microscopic eggs and larvae. However, these eggs might not appear in your stool for at least 40 days after you become infected. Importantly, if you're only infected with male worms, you won't have eggs to find in your stool.

Your doctor might also order a blood test to check for elevated eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. An increase in eosinophils can be a sign of ascariasis, but other health problems can cause the same result.

Sometimes, doctors might use other imaging tests to help visualize the worms.

• X-rays: If you have a large number of worms, an X-ray of your abdomen might show them. Sometimes, X-rays of the chest can reveal worm larvae in your lungs.

• Ultrasound: This technology uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs. An ultrasound might show worms in your pancreas or liver.

• CT scans and MRIs: These advanced imaging techniques create detailed pictures of your internal organs. They can help identify worms that might be blocking tubes in your liver or pancreas. CT scans use X-rays from different angles, while MRIs use radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create images.

These methods help doctors pinpoint the presence and location of the worms, enabling them to provide the most effective treatment.

Most of the time, you only need treatment for infections that cause noticeable symptoms. Sometimes, your body can fight off an ascariasis infection on its own.

The first way to treat ascariasis is with medicine that kills the worms. Common medicines used include:

• Albendazole (Albenza): This medicine is often used to kill the adult worms.
• Ivermectin (Stromectol): This is another medicine that can kill the adult worms.
• Mebendazole: This medicine is also used to eliminate the adult worms.

These medicines are usually taken for one to three days. Possible side effects include mild tummy aches or loose stools.

If you are pregnant, a medicine called pyrantel pamoate is usually the best choice.

In rare cases, if you have a very large number of worms or if they cause serious problems, surgery might be needed. Surgery can help remove the worms and fix any damage they've done. Problems like blockages in your intestines, holes in your intestines, blockages in your bile duct, or appendicitis might require surgery.