Ascariasis 2
Ascariasis 2
Ascariasis 2
What is ASCARIASIS?
ASCARIASIS is a disease caused by parasitic roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. Ascaris, hookworm, and whipworm are known as soil-transmitted
helminths (parasitic worms). Ascariasis is the most common helminthic
infection, with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 25% (0.8-1.22 billion
people).
Where is Ascaris lumbricodes being found?
Ascaris lives in the intestine and Ascaris eggs are passed in the feces of infected persons. If the infected person defecates outside (near bushes, in a garden, or field) or if the feces of an infected person are used as fertilizer, eggs are deposited on soil.
How do people get the Ascariasis?
People is expose to Ascaris lumbricoides when they are incidentally ingest the embryonated (infective) eggs
in faeces found in contaminated soil or food. Both infective stage and diagnosis stage are eggs of the parasite. After oral ingested the parasite by humans, the eggs may hatch in small intestine and release larvae.
The larvae may migrate to lungs, heart, kidney, or brain.
How it being diagnosed?
People infected with Ascaris often show no symptoms. If symptoms do occur they can be light and
include abdominal discomfort. Heavy infections
can cause intestinal blockage and impair growth in
children. Other symptoms such as cough are due to
migration of the worms through the body.
Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with human feces,
including with human fecal matter ("night soil") used to fertilize crops.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling food.
Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.
Wash, peel, or cook all raw vegetables and fruits before eating, particularly those that have been grown in soil that has been fertilized with
manure.