Intestinal Nematodes: Ascariasis

Abstract

Ascariasis is the most prevalent human helminth infection, with an estimated 819 million infections worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs in warm, tropical climates that lack water and sanitation facilities and have poor hygiene. Worms inhabit the small intestine, and morbidity is related to worm burden. A small proportion of the infected population harbors the majority of worms, with intense infection most common in school-age children, and intensity and prevalence declining to a low level throughout adulthood. School-age children are therefore the targets for school-based community control efforts in large-scale treatment campaigns. Light infections can affect growth and development, whereas, due to the size of the worms, heavier worm burdens can result in intestinal obstruction, particularly in young children. Treatment with mebendazole or albendazole is efficacious, with cure rates of >90% commonly achieved.