Ascariasis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fatimo Biobaku M.B.B.S [2]
Overview
Ascariasis is a globally occurring helminthic infection of humans.[1] is the most common human helminth infection.[2] The transmission of infection is usually from hand to mouth, and humans are the only known host.[2] Ascariasis is more common in tropical areas of the world and predominantly affects the pediatric age group.[3]
Historical Perspective
Ascariasis has been around for several years and the scientific study of Ascaris lumbricoides was promoted by Edward Tyson.[4]
Pathophysiology[2][3][1]
The transmission of infection is usually from hand to mouth, and humans are the only known host. Following ingestion of infective eggs, larvae hatch and invade the intestinal mucosa. The larvae are carried via the portal, then systemic circulation to the lungs. The larvae mature further in the lungs, penetrate the alveolar walls, and ascend the bronchial tree to the throat. The larvae are then swallowed. Upon reaching the small intestine, they develop into adult worms. The adult worms can live for 1 to 2 years.
Causes
Ascariasis is a soil helminth infection caused by the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides.[2]
Differentiating Ascariasis from other Diseases
Ascariasis can mimic other worm infections, and also gastrointestinal pathologies like peptic ulcer disease, intussusception in children, bile duct stone, etc.[5][6]
Epidemiology and Demographics
Ascariasis affects at least 1 billion people worldwide and about 4 million people in the United States.[3] It is more common in the pediatric age group (ages 2-10 years).[3] Ascariasis is three times more common in African-Americans compared to Caucasians.[3]
Risk factors
The risk factors for ascariasis are often associated with poor sanitary conditions and environmental fecal contamination.[1]
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Ascariasis is often asymptomatic.[7] Complications may arise when adult worms move to certain organs such as the bile duct, pancreas, or appendix..[7] A high worm burden can also result in complications such as intestinal obstruction.[1]
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X ray
CT
Ultrasound
Other Diagnostic Studies
Medical Therapy
Surgery
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Kliegman, Robert; Stanton, Bonita; St. Geme, Joseph; Schor, Nina (2016). "Chapter 291:Ascariasis (Ascaris lumbricoides)". Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics Twentieth Edition. Elsevier. pp. 1733–1734. ISBN 978-1-4557-7566-8.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Kim, Kami; Weiss, Louis; Tanowitz, Herbert (2016). "Chapter 39:Parasitic Infections". Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine Sixth Edition. Elsevier. pp. 682–698. ISBN 978-1-4557-3383-5.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Ferri, Fred (2017). "Chapter:Ascariasis". Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2017. Elsevier. pp. 117–117. ISBN 978-0-3232-8048-8.
- ↑ Crompton DW (1988). "The prevalence of Ascariasis". Parasitol Today. 4 (6): 162–9. PMID 15463076.
- ↑ Hamed AD, Akinola O (1990). "Intestinal ascariasis in the differential diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease". Trop Geogr Med. 42 (1): 37–40. PMID 2260195.
- ↑ Goel A, Lakshmi CP, Pottakkat B (2012). "Biliary ascariasis: mimicker of retained bile duct stone". Dig Endosc. 24 (6): 480. doi:10.1111/j.1443-1661.2012.01338.x. PMID 23078449.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Durand, Marlene (2015). "Chapter 288:Intestinal Nematodes (Roundworms)". Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases Updated Edition, Eighth Edition. Elsevier. pp. 3199–3207. ISBN 978-1-4557-4801-3.