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Ascariasis (Roundworm Infection)

Ascaris lumbricoides, fecal-oral transmission, Loeffler syndrome, intestinal obstruction, albendazole

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Ascariasis (Roundworm Infection)?

Ascariasis affects approximately 800 million people globally, predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation. Humans ingest infective eggs from contaminated soil, water, or vegetables. Larvae hatch in the small intestine, migrate through portal circulation to the liver, lungs (causing pulmonary phase), are coughed and swallowed, and mature into adult worms 15 to 35 cm long in the jejunum.

Most infections are asymptomatic. Pulmonary phase (Loeffler syndrome) causes cough, wheezing, and eosinophilia 7 to 14 days after ingestion. Heavy intestinal burden produces abdominal pain, malnutrition, and complications including small bowel obstruction (especially in children with bolus of worms), biliary or pancreatic duct obstruction, appendicitis, and intestinal perforation.

Diagnosis is by stool microscopy demonstrating characteristic ovoid eggs with mamillated outer shell, or visualization of adult worms expelled per rectum or vomited. Single-dose albendazole 400 mg, mebendazole 500 mg, or pyrantel pamoate cures most cases. Heavy infections may require nasogastric piperazine to paralyze worms before extraction. Mass deworming campaigns reduce community burden in endemic areas.

Symptoms

Passing worms in stool or vomit
Cough with wheezing (pulmonary phase)
Crampy abdominal pain
Malnutrition and growth failure
Acute abdomen from obstruction

Risk Factors

Living in tropical region with poor sanitation
Childhood (peak ages 3-8 years)
Geophagia (eating soil)
Untreated water and unwashed produce
Crowded living conditions

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When seeing worm in stool or vomit
  • For abdominal pain with eosinophilia
  • For child with cough and wheeze
  • For acute abdomen in endemic area
  • For jaundice with worm imaged in duct

Treatment Methods

01
Albendazole 400 mg single dose
02
Mebendazole 500 mg single dose
03
Pyrantel pamoate alternative
04
Surgery or ERCP for obstruction
05
Mass deworming program
06
Sanitation and hand hygiene education

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.