Ascaris

8.,78 is a genus of parasitic nematode worms known as the "giant intestinal

roundworms". One species, A. suum, typically infects pigs, while another, A.
lumbricoides, affects human populations, typically in sub-tropical and tropical areas with
poor sanitation. A. lumbricoidesis the largest intestinal roundworm and is the most
common helminth infection of humans worldwide, an infection known as ascariasis.
nfestation can cause morbidity, and sometimes death, by compromising nutritional
status, affecting cognitive processes, inducing tissue reactions, such as granuloma, and
provoking intestinal obstruction or rectal prolapse.

Ascariasis is a human disease caused by the parasitic roundworm Ascaris
lumbricoides. Perhaps as many as one quarter of the world's people are infected, with
rates of 45% in Latin America and 95% in parts of Africa.
[1]
Ascariasis is particularly
prevalent in tropical regions and in areas of poor hygiene. Other species of
the genus Ascaris are parasitic and can cause disease in domestic animals. Certain
genes have been identified in human populations that may increase the susceptibility to
infection.
nfection occurs through ingestion of food contaminated
with feces containing Ascaris eggs. Thelarvae hatch, burrow through the intestine,
reach the lungs, and finally migrate up the respiratory tract. From there they are then
reswallowed and mature in the intestine, growing up to 30 cm (12 in.) in length and
anchoring themselves to the intestinal wall.
nfections are usually asymptomatic, especially if the number of worms is small. They
may however be accompanied by inflammation, fever, and diarrhea, and serious
problems may develop if the worms migrate to other parts of the body.


ife cycIe

First appearance of eggs in stools is 6070 days. n larval ascariasis, symptoms occur
416 days after infection. The final symptoms are gastrointestinal discomfort, colic and
vomiting, fever, and observation of live worms in stools. Some patients may have
pulmonary symptoms or neurological disorders during migration of the larvae. However
there are generally few or no symptoms. A bolusof worms may obstruct the intestine;
migrating larvae may cause pneumonitis and eosinophilia.