ASCARIASIS

By the end of this presentation the student should be able to:

 Define ascariasis
 Explain the epidemiology of ascariasis
 State the clinical features of ascariasis
 Describe three risk factors of ascariasis
 Explain the pathophysiology of ascariasis
 Outline two diagnosis of ascariasis
 Explain the medical management of ascariasis
 Outline the preventive measures of ascariasis
 State six complications of ascariasis
PRESENTER: H.OSMAN

INTRODUCTION:

• Ascariasis: is an intestinal infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides

• Infestation occurs through contact with the feces of people with infestation.

• It is usually found in areas where sanitary facilities are lacking and human excreta are
deposited on the ground.

• School-aged children, usually in developing countries, are affected by these parasites which
significantly contribute to cognitive deficits, growth stunting, mental retardation, and
malnutrition.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

• According to WHO severe Ascaris infections cause approximately 60 000 deaths per year,
mainly in children.

• Worldwide, more than 1.4 billion people are infected with ascariasis.
CLINICAL FEATURES

• worms in stool

• Coughing up worms

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Vomiting

• Abdominal distention

• Severe stomach or abdominal pain

• Intestinal blockage

RISK FACTORS

• Age. Most people who have ascariasis are 10 years old or younger. Children in this age group
may be at higher risk because they're more likely to play in dirt.

• Warm climate. ascariasis is more prevalent in developing countries with warm temperatures

year-round.

• Poor sanitation. Ascariasis is widespread in developing countries where human feces are

allowed to mix with local soil.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

• Ingestion. The microscopic ascariasis eggs can't become infective without coming into contact
with soil. People can accidentally ingest contaminated soil through hand-to-mouth contact or
by eating uncooked fruits or vegetables that have been grown in contaminated soil.

• Migration. Larvae hatch from the eggs in your small intestine and then penetrate the
intestinal wall to travel to your lungs via your bloodstream or lymphatic system. After
maturing for about a week in your lungs, the larvae break into your airway and travel up your
throat, where they're coughed up and swallowed.

• Maturation. Once back in the intestines, the parasites grow into male or female worms.
Female worms can be more than 15 inches long in diameter. Male worms are generally
smaller.
 • Reproduction. Male and female worms mate in the small intestine. Female worms can
produce 200,000 eggs a day, which leave your body in your feces. The fertilized eggs must be
in soil for at least 18 days before they become infective.

• The whole process from egg ingestion to egg deposits takes about two or three months.

DIAGNOSIS

• Stool tests: A microscopic examination finding of eggs in the feces confirms the diagnosis.

• Imaging tests: x-ray can show a mass of worms infested in the abdomen. 

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT.

• Albendazole: 400 mg orally once as a single dose

 • Ivermectin: 0.2 mg/kg once

• Mebendazole: 500-750 mg orally t.d.s for 5-10 days

• Surgery: In cases of heavy infestation, surgery may be necessary to remove worms and repair
damage they've caused. Intestinal obstruction or perforation, bile duct obstruction, and
appendicitis are complications that may require surgery.

PREVENTIONS

• Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with human faeces

• Wash hands with soap and water before handling food

• Wash, peel or cook all raw vegetables and fruits

• Protect food from soil and wash or reheat any food that falls on the floor

END.