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Ascariasis
DefinitionAscariasis is an infection caused by a parasitic roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
This is the most common intestinal worm infection. It is found in association with poor personal hygiene, poor sanitation, and in places where human feces are used as fertilizer. Intake of food or drink contaminated with roundworm eggs causes infection.
The eggs hatch and release larvae within the intestine. The larvae then move through the bloodstream to the lungs, exit up through the large airways of the lungs, and are swallowed back into the stomach and intestines.
During movement through the lungs the larvae may produce an uncommon form of pneumonia called eosinophilic pneumonia. Once back in the intestines, they mature into adult roundworms. Adult worms live in the intestine where they lay eggs that are present in feces.
It is estimated that 1 billion people are infected worldwide. Ascariasis occurs in all ages, though children seem to be affected more severely than adults.
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• Definition
• Ascariasis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Ascariasis Symptoms & Signs
• Ascariasis Prevention
• Ascariasis Diagnosis & Tests
• Ascariasis Treatment
• Ascariasis Prognosis
• Ascariasis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Simple Pulmonary Eosinophilia (Loeffler's Syndrome)
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Film
• Stool Ova and Parasites Exam
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Breathing Difficulty
• Cough
• Coughing Up Blood
• Fever
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Rashes
• Wheezing
Review Date : 7/30/2002
Reviewed By : Christopher Parsons, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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