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Ascariasis
Like a scene from some alien horror movie depicting grotesque alien life forms, dealing with an ascariasis infection can be both unnerving and dangerous. This kind of human infection is not usually discussed openly because of its sensitive nature, but it is a very serious threat, something that should be faced head on and not ignored and hidden. Ascariasis is an infection caused by a certain species of roundworm called Ascaris Lumbricoides. These are what some people would call as “nasty little buggers” because they are part of a group of organisms that parasitize human beings. The Ascaris Lumbricoides worm shares not only its name with the common earthworm or Lumbricus, but also its appearance, save for the white coloration of the Ascaris. These parasitic worms are mostly found in warm, tropical regions and the disease is prevalent in underprivileged areas where proper hygiene becomes a luxury and instead of a necessity. Some reading materials would tell you that ascariasis is an infection involving only the intestines, these statements are not very accurate, because the Ascaris Lumbricoides worm can invade different parts of the body as it goes through its life cycle, the most common path that it takes upon entering the body orally is from the intestines to the lungs, to the respiratory tract, to the upper digestive tract, and back to the intestines where it will mature and reproduce.
Ascariasis Causes
Ascariasis infection is transmitted from one host to the other when fecal matter containing eggs of this organism enters the human body through the oral cavity and digestive tract. That is why hygiene plays a huge role in the transmission of this disease. The Ascaris Lumbricoides parasite can only enter a previously uninfected human if that human unknowingly takes in bits of fecal matter that already contains the parasite’s eggs, this is why the disease is more common in poor areas, especially those with little or no access to potable water, because the people there have limited means to provide themselves with protection from these opportunistic organisms.
Ascariasis Symptoms
When there are just a few of these worms infecting an individual, the person may not present any signs and symptoms of an infection, but as the parasite starts to reproduce and multiply, the symptoms will slowly appear as the worms start to compete with the host’s body for nutrition and sustenance. Here are some symptoms that present themselves according to the life cycle of the worm larvae as it matures inside the human host’s body; upon infection, there is little or no symptoms present but as the worm larvae reach the lungs, there can be an occurrence of coughing, wheezing, and fever, as the body tries to get rid of the foreign organisms.
When the larvae proceed back to the intestines to mature and multiply, most of the more symptoms appear, and these are: nutrient mal-absorption, malnourishment, abdominal discomfort, intestinal blockages ranging from mild to life threatening, vomiting out of worms, worms in the stool, fatigue, anemia and disturbed sleep patterns. As the new larvae produced by the mature parasites find their way to different parts of the body, different infections like hepatitis, inflammation of the spleen, pneumonia, and peritonitis may occur. If left untreated, these symptoms can all lead to the eventual death of the infected person.
Ascariasis Pictures
Picture 1 : Ascariasis Life cycle
Image source : metapathogen.com
Picture 2: Ascariasis worms
Picture 3: Ascaris worms : Giant intestinal roundworms
Ascariasis Treatment
Treatment of this infection is geared towards killing the organisms and their eggs inside the body so they can be safely expelled through bowel movement. Some medications just weaken the worms enough to loosen their grip on the intestinal wall and be passed out in the stool. These medications for treating ascariasis include the following: Albendazole, Hexylresorcinol, Mebendazole, Oil of Chenopodium, Pyrantel Pamoate, Piperazine, Santonine and Thiabendazole.
References:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/ascariasis.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000628.htm
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/ascariasis/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/html/ascariasis.htm
