Ascaris lumbricoides

 Ascaris lumbricoides is a species of nematode or roundworm, and is the most common parasitic worm in humans. This organism is responsible for the disease ascariasis, a type of soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and is an important public health problem especially in developing countries.

Biology

Ascaris lumbricoides belongs to the phylum Nematoda. Adult females can be significantly larger than males and can reach lengths of up to 35 cm.

Ascaris lumbricoides

Life cycle

• The life cycle of A. lumbricoides is complex, involving several distinct stages:
• Egg stage: The life cycle begins when eggs are excreted in human feces and find their way into the soil.
• Larval stage: The eggs hatch into larvae in the soil, then are accidentally ingested by humans, often through contaminated food or water.
• Migration stage: Once ingested, the larvae migrate through the body, often passing through the lungs before returning to the intestine, where they mature into adults.
• Adult stage: Adult worms reside in the human intestine where they can produce large numbers of eggs each day.

Transmission

Transmission of A. lumbricoides typically occurs through ingestion of eggs from soil contaminated with human feces, often where sanitation is poor.

Pathogenesis and Symptoms

• Infection with A. lumbricoides can result in a range of symptoms including:
• Asymptomatic infections, especially with low worm burdens.
• Abdominal discomfort, bloating and diarrhea.
• In heavy infections, intestinal blockage can occur.
• During the larval migration phase, respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheezing can occur.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is typically made by identifying characteristic eggs in stool samples. Treatment usually involves anti-parasitic drugs such as albendazole or mebendazole.

Public Health Impact and Control Measures

Infection with A. lumbricoides is a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries. Key control measures include improving sanitation and providing regular deworming treatments to at-risk populations, particularly children.

References

<references>

• "Ascariasis". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved 2023-05-25.
• "Ascaris lumbricoides". World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved 2023-05-25.

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