University of Guyana

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Department of Biology

BIO3219: Parasitology

Lecturers: Prof. Ansari & Mr. Lakenarine

Lab Instructor: Ms. Renea Douglas

Laboratory Exercise # 4
Ascaris lumbricoides

Ronaldo Binda
1036568
Aim: To observe and draw the Ascaris lumbricoides ova and adult.

Method:

1. The prepared slides were used to observe and draw the male and female of the Ascaris

lumbricoides.

2. The prepared stool sample was used to observe and draw the Ascaris ova. The

instructions in the handout provided was followed.\

Results:
Discussion:

1. Describe the differences between the fertilized and unfertilized eggs of the A.

lumbricoides.

Some difference between the fertilized and unfertilized egg include: (1) the shape of the

unfertilized egg, which is elongated while the fertilized egg is rounded. (2) The length of

the unfertilized egg, which is 90µm while the fertilized egg is about 45 to 75 µm. (3) the

shell of the unfertilized egg is thin, while the shell of the fertilized egg is thick. (4) The

unfertilized egg lacks a mammillated layer, while the fertilized egg contain the

mammillated layer. (5) The outer layer unfertilized egg is usually corticated, while the

fertilized egg has an outer layer which is either corticated or decorticated. (6) Lastly, the

unfertilized egg is unembryonated and contains an amorphous mass of protoplasm, while

the fertilized egg contains an undeveloped unicellular embryo (Lakna, 2019).

2. Describe the differences between the adult male and female A. lumbricoides.

Some difference between the adult male and female include: (1) the female Ascaris is a

long and wide worm, while the male is short and thin. (2) The male Ascaris possess

pineal spicules and papillae, while the females does not have these structures present. (3)

The male Ascaris is hooked while female is straight. (4) The male Ascaris does not have

a reproductive opening, while the female possesses a reproductive opening in the

posterior third of the body. (5) Lastly, the reproductive organ of the male Ascaris is a

straight tube-like structure while it is a Y shaped structure in female (Samanthi, 2019).

3. How can an individual be infected with Ascaris?

An individual can be infected with Ascaris after accidentally ingesting the eggs of A.

lumbricoides, which can be found in contaminated soil with human feces or uncooked

food which was contaminated by soil which contains Ascaris eggs. Also, when children

play in contaminated soil and then put their hands in their mouth, they can develop an

infection (Sethi, S., 2019).

4. What symptoms are commonly associated with Ascaris infections?

Some symptoms associated with Ascaris include:

- In the intestines:

 Nausea

 Vomiting

 Diarrhea

 Intestinal blockages

 Loss of appetite

 Visible worms in stool

 Abdominal pain and discomfort

- In the lungs:

 Coughing

 Wheezing or shortness of breath

 Blood in mucus
  Chest discomfort

 Fever

(Sethi, S., 2019)

5. How can infections from A. lumbricoides be treated?

Anti-parasitic drugs are usually used to treat A. lumbricoides, such medications used

commonly are:

 Albendazole

 Ivermectin

 Mebendazole

However, for large infestations, doctors may recommend surgery to control the infestation,

especially if the roundworms are blocking the intestines (Sethi, S., 2019).

6. How can infections from A. lumbricoides be prevented?

Infections can be prevented by:

 Washing hands with soap and warm water before handling food.

 Teaching children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.

 Wash, peel, or cook all uncooked fruits and vegetables, especially those that were

cultivated in soil enriched with manure.

 Avoiding defecating outdoors.

 Implementing effective sewage disposal systems.

(CDC, 2020)
Conclusion:

In conclusion, Ascaris lumbricoides is a large parasitic roundworm that infects the human

intestine. It is one of the most common parasites in humans, particularly in developing countries

with poor sanitation. The adult worm can grow up to 30 cm in length and lives in the small

intestine, where it feeds on the host's digested food. The eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides are passed

in the host's feces and can contaminate soil or food, leading to new infections when ingested by

another person. Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides can cause a variety of symptoms, including

abdominal pain, diarrhea, malnutrition, and stunted growth in children. Treatment typically

involves the use of anthelmintic medications to kill the worms. Preventative measures, such as

improved sanitation and hygiene, are also important for reducing the incidence of Ascaris

lumbricoides infections.
References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020. Parasites – Ascariasis.

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/gen_info/faqs.html

Lakna, 2019. Difference Between Fertilized and Unfertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides.

https://pediaa.com/difference-between-fertilized-and-unfertilized-egg-of-ascaris-lumbricoides/

#Fertilized%20vs%20Unfertilized%20Egg%20of%20Ascaris%20Lumbricoides%20-

%20Comparison%20of%20Key%20Differences

Samanthi, 2019. Difference Between Male and Female Ascaris.

https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-male-and-female-ascaris/

Sethi, S., 2019. Ascariasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.

https://www.healthline.com/health/ascariasis