Ascaris lumbricoides

Question 1

Ascaris lumbricoides is a zoonotic geohelminth-nematode (T/F)

Answer 1

FALSE!!!!

Ascaris lumbricoides is NON-zoonotic

Question 2

What are the hosts for Ascaris lumbricoides?

Answer 2

Humans ONLY

Question 3

What is the geography of Ascaris lumbricoides spread?

Answer 3

• China
• S.E. asia
• Africa
• South and Central America
• Cuba
• Southern USA

Question 4

What are some characteristics of Ascaris lumbricoides?

Answer 4

• Very prevalent (1 in every 4 infected).
• Large (up to 25cm) and white round worms.
• In warm, moist conditions the embryo develops in fertilized eggs over a period of 2-4 weeks.
• Eggs have thick , yellowish shell.
• Unfertile eggs have a thinner shell.

Question 5

Describe the transmission of Ascaris lumbricoides

Answer 5

• Oral ingestion of L2 larvae in environment

- not fecal-oral

Question 6

Describe the life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides.

Answer 6

• Eggs passed in feces
• L1->L2 infective larva takes 3 weeks.
• L2 larva in egg ingested and then the characteristic Hepato-tracheal migration of the worms
• PPP = 2 months

Question 7

What are the clinical symptoms of migration of Ascaris lumbricoides worms?

Answer 7

-Damages lungs and produces immune reactions

Question 8

What are the clinical symptoms produced by Ascaris lumbricoides larvae?

Answer 8

Loeffler’s syndrome:

-Fever, cough, sputum, asthma, eosinophilia

Question 9

What are the clinical symptoms produced by Ascaris lumbricoides adult worms?

Answer 9

• Obstruction
• Jaundice
• Appendicitis
• Pacreatitis
• Asphyxia
• Colic (bouts abd pain)
• Bouts diarrhea
• May appear in feces, out of mouth, out of nose, out of ear… ect.

Question 10

What is the treatment for Ascaris lumbricoides?

Answer 10

Albendazole

Question 11

What is the control for Ascaris lumbricoides?

Answer 11

• Improved sanitation

- Treat infected ppl