ascariasis

Ascariasis, also known as roundworm infection, is a parasitic infection caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides worm. This type of infection occurs when an individual comes into contact with the eggs of the parasite through contaminated food, water, or soil.

Causes and Transmission

• Ascariasis is typically spread through hand-to-mouth contact with contaminated feces or soil that contains the eggs of the Ascaris lumbricoides worm [1].
• The infection can also be caused by consuming food or drinks that have been contaminated with the parasite's eggs [2].

Symptoms and Effects

• Ascariasis can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue [3].
• In severe cases, the infection can lead to complications such as intestinal blockage, pneumonia, and liver disease [4].
• The infection is also associated with malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, and impairments of growth and development in children [5].

Prevention and Treatment

• Ascariasis can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, avoiding contaminated food and water, and using proper sanitation facilities [6].
• Treatment for ascariasis typically involves administering anthelmintic medications to kill the parasites [7].

References:

[1] - Context result 2 [2] - Context result 6 [3] - Context result 7 [4] - Context result 8 [5] - Context result 7 [6] - Context result 3 [7] - Context result 9

Ascariasis, also known as roundworm infection, is a parasitic infection caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides worm. The symptoms of ascariasis can vary in severity and may include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort: This is one of the most common symptoms of ascariasis, ranging from mild to severe (7)[Jul 3, 2018] (1)[Jun 13, 2024].
• Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting due to the infection (5)[Dec 4, 2022] (9)[Oct 3, 2024].
• Diarrhea or blood in stool: Diarrhea or bloody stools can occur as a result of the infection (3)[Oct 10, 2024] (6)[Dec 4, 2022].
• Weight loss and impaired growth in children: In severe cases, ascariasis can lead to weight loss and impaired growth in children (7)[Jul 3, 2018].
• Coughing up worms or bloody sputum: In some cases, people may cough up worms or experience bloody sputum due to the infection of the lungs (4)[Oct 10, 2024] (6)[Dec 4, 2022].
• Shortness of breath and low-grade fever: Some individuals may experience shortness of breath and a low-grade fever as symptoms of ascariasis (6)[Dec 4, 2022].

It's essential to note that not everyone who is infected with Ascaris lumbricoides will exhibit symptoms. In some cases, the infection may be asymptomatic or mild.

References: (1) Jun 13, 2024 (3) Oct 10, 2024 (4) Oct 10, 2024 (5) Dec 4, 2022 (6) Dec 4, 2022 (7) Jul 3, 2018 (9) Oct 3, 2024

Diagnostic Tests for Ascariasis

Ascariasis, an infection caused by the parasitic worm Ascaris lumbricoides, can be diagnosed using various tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect this condition:

• Stool Microscopy: This is the most common method for diagnosing intestinal ascariasis. Microscopic identification of eggs in the stool is a reliable indicator of infection [8].
• Imaging Tests: Abdominal x-ray or other imaging tests can show large masses of worms in the belly or lungs, which can confirm the diagnosis [4]. CT scans and ultrasound may also be used to demonstrate adult Ascaris worms in the liver or bile ducts in case of hepatobiliary disease [3].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC) and eosinophil count, can help diagnose ascariasis by detecting an increase in white blood cells, which is a sign of infection [7].
• Sputum/Gastric Aspirate Microscopy: This test involves examining the mucus from the lungs or stomach for eggs or worms.
• Contrast Study: A contrast study may be ordered to visualize the digestive tract and detect any blockages caused by the worms.

It's worth noting that a healthcare provider can diagnose ascariasis using a stool sample once the worms have reached your intestines [2].

Treatment Options for Ascariasis

Ascariasis, caused by the parasitic worm Ascaris lumbricoides, can be effectively treated with various medications. The most commonly recommended agents are:

• Albendazole: A single dose of 400 mg orally is considered the drug of choice for ascariasis in stable patients older than 12 months with uncomplicated infection [2].
• Mebendazole: Another effective option, often used in combination with albendazole [1][6][9].
• Ivermectin: An alternative treatment option, particularly useful in areas where albendazole and mebendazole are not available [5][7].

Treatment Duration

The duration of treatment varies depending on the medication used. Antiparasitic medications typically require a single dose to kill all adult worms, but may need to be taken for one to three days to ensure complete elimination [4].

Other Treatment Options

• Pyrantel pamoate: An anthelmintic medication that can also be effective against ascariasis, although it is not as commonly used as albendazole and mebendazole [3].
• Anthelmintics: A class of medications that target and kill parasitic worms, including those causing ascariasis.

References

[1] by LO Conterno · 2020 · Cited by 68 — Single-dose of albendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin all appeared effective against Ascaris lumbricoides infection...

[2] Oct 1, 2021 — Albendazole 400 mg one dose orally is the drug of choice for ascariasis in stable patients older than 12 months with uncomplicated infection.

[3] Drugs used to treat Ascariasis ; Generic name: pyrantel systemic; Brand names: Ascarel, Pinworm Medicine, Reese's Pinworm Medicine...

[4] Antiparasitic medications get rid of the infection by killing the adult worms. You'll need to take your medicine for one to three days to kill all the adults.

[5] Jan 10, 2023 — The most commonly recommended agents are albendazole and mebendazole. Ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate are alternatives...

[6] by LO Conterno · 2020 · Cited by 68 — Authors' conclusions: Single-dose of albendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin all appeared effective against Ascaris lumbricoides infection...

[7] Jun 3, 2024 — Treatment options: Oral albendazole, oral mebendazole, oral ivermectin, and oral pyrantel pamoate are available for treating ascariasis.

[8] A drug is a chemical substance that produces a biological effect when administered to a living organism.

Understanding Differential Diagnosis in Ascariasis

Ascariasis, an intestinal parasitic infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, can mimic other worm infections and gastrointestinal pathologies. A differential diagnosis is a process of ruling out other possible causes of symptoms to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Conditions that Mimic Ascariasis

According to medical literature [1], ascariasis can be mistaken for:

• Peptic ulcer disease
• Intestinal obstruction from Ascaris lumbricoides, which can mimic intussusception in children
• Bile duct stone

These conditions share similar symptoms and diagnostic features with ascariasis, making differential diagnosis crucial.

Diagnostic Features

To diagnose ascariasis accurately, healthcare providers consider the following factors:

• Travel history or origin from endemic countries (when presenting in non-endemic areas) [5]
• Eosinophilia (elevated eosinophil count) in the leukocyte differential count
• Chest X-ray showing pulmonary infiltrates
• Serology can aid diagnosis, especially in cases of pulmonary ascariasis [6]

Importance of Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is essential in diagnosing ascariasis accurately. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and worsening of symptoms.

References:

[1] Pratt LT, Blachar A. Computed tomography diagnosis of intestinal ascariasis: incidental finding in a trauma patient. Isr Med Assoc J. 2007 Sep;9(9):688-9. [5] Table 1 Differential diagnoses to ascariasis morbidity in humans, grouped by larval and intestinal stages of infection. [6] by PHL Lamberton · 2015 · Cited by 110 — The leukocyte differential count typically reveals eosinophilia, and the chest X-ray may show pulmonary infiltrates.