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PARASITES Report

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Al_ Esraa University College

Department of Medical Analysis


4th Class
Group E2

Ascaris lumbricoides
“”

Submitter to the committee of scientific affairs of the college


AL_Essra and the department of Medical Analysis in partial fulfillment
Of requirements for the degree of B.sc in science

By:
Taha Jasim
INTRODUCTION:

An estimated 807 million–1.2 billion people in the world are infected


with Ascaris lumbricoides (sometimes called just Ascaris or
ascariasis). Ascaris, hookworm, and whipworm are parasitic worms known
as soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Together, they account for a major
burden of parasitic disease worldwide. Ascariasis is now uncommon in the
United States.

Ascaris parasites live in the intestine and Ascaris eggs are passed in the feces
(poop) of infected people. If an infected person defecates outside (for
example, near bushes, in a garden, or in a field), or if the feces of an infected
person are used as fertilizer, eggs are deposited on soil. The eggs can then
mature into a form of the parasite that is infective. Ascariasis is caused by
ingesting eggs. This can happen when hands or fingers that have contaminated
dirt on them are put in the mouth, or by consuming vegetables or fruits that
have not been carefully cooked, washed, or peeled.

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. Ascariasis is
treatable with medication prescribed by your health care provider. [1]
SYMPTOMS:

People infected with Ascaris often show no symptoms, regardless of


the species of worm. 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. Ascariasis is treatable with medication
prescribed by your health care provider. [2]

DIAGNOSIS:

The standard method for diagnosing ascariasis is by


identifying Ascaris eggs in a stool sample using a microscope. Because eggs
may be difficult to find in light infections,

In heavy infestations, it's possible to find worms after cough or vomit. The
worms can come out of other body openings, such as your mouth or nostrils.
And there’s some tests to do if symptoms are found:

Stool tests

Mature female ascariasis worms in the intestine begin laying eggs.


These eggs travel through the digestive system and eventually can be found
in the stool.

To diagnose ascariasis, the doctor will examine the stool for the tiny
(microscopic) eggs and larvae. But eggs won't appear in stool until at least 40
days after you're infected. And if you're infected with only male worms, you
won't have eggs.
Blood tests

Your blood can be tested for the presence of an increased number of a


certain type of white blood cell, called eosinophils. Ascariasis can elevate
your eosinophils, but so can other types of health problems.

Imaging tests

 X-rays. If you're infested with worms, the mass of worms may be visible in
an X-ray of the abdomen. In some cases, a chest X-ray can reveal the larvae
in the lungs.
 Ultrasound. An ultrasound may show worms in the pancreas or liver. This
technology uses sound waves to create images of internal organs.
 CT scans or MRIs. Both types of tests create detailed images of the internal
structures, which can help your doctor detect worms that are blocking ducts
in the liver or pancreas. CT scans combine X-ray images taken from many
angles. MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field. [3]
RISK FACTORS:

Ascaris lumbricoides infection is one of the most common intestinal


worm infections. It is found in association with poor personal hygiene, poor
sanitation, and in places where human feces are used as fertilizer.

Ascariasis caused by Ascaris suum is found in association with pigs. People


who raise pigs or use raw pig manure as fertilizer may be at risk for infection
with Ascaris suum. Contact with pigs should be investigated as a potential
cause upon diagnosis of ascariasis.

Geographic Distribution
The geographic distributions of Ascaris lumbricoides are worldwide in
areas with warm, moist climates and are widely overlapping. Infection occurs
worldwide and is most common in tropical and subtropical areas where
sanitation and hygiene are poor.

Ascaris suum can be found wherever pigs are found. [4]


TREATMENT:

Typically, only infections that cause symptoms need to be treated. In


some cases, ascariasis will resolve on its own.

Medications

Anti-parasite medications are the first line of treatment against ascariasis. The
most common are:

 Albendazole (Albenza)

 Ivermectin (Stromectol)

 Mebendazole

These medications, taken for one to three days, kill the adult worms. Side
effects include mild abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Pregnant women may take pyrantel palmoate. [5][6]

Surgery

In cases of heavy infestation, surgery may be necessary to remove worms and


repair damage they've caused. Intestinal blockage or holes, bile duct blockage,
and appendicitis are complications that may require surgery.
REFERENCES & BOOKS:

1) Ascariasis in Humans and Pigs on Small-Scale Farms, Maine, USA,


2010–2013 Miller LA, Colby K, Manning SE, Hoenig D, McEvoy E,

Montgomery S, et al. Emerg Infect Dis 2015;21(2):332–334.

2) D W T Crompton, L Savioli. Handbook of helminthiasis for public


Health. CRC Press: Taylor & Francis Group. Boca Raton, FL; 2007.

3) Bethony J, Brooker S, Albonico M, Geiger Stefan M, Loukas A, Diement


D, Hotez PJ. Soil-transmitted helminth infections: ascariasis,

trichuriasis, and hookworm. Lancet. 2006;367: 1521-32.

4) Crompton, DW. Ascaris and ascariasis. Adv Parasitol. 2001;48:285-


375.

5) Maguire JH. Intestinal nematodes (roundworms). In: Mandell GL,


Bennett JE, Dolin R, editors. Principles and practice of infectious

diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2010. p. 3577-3605.

6) Seltzer E, Barry M, Crompton DWT. Ascariasis. In: Guerrant RL, Walker


DH, Weller PF, editors. Tropical infectious diseases. Principles,

pathogens & practice. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2006. p. 1257-

1264.

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