Ascaris Infection
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
(Ass-kuh-ris)
Ascariasis
What is an Ascaris infection?
Ascaris is a worm that lives in the small intestine. Infection
with Ascaris is called ascariasis (ass-kuh-rye-uh-sis). Adult
female worms can grow over 12 inches in length, adult males are
smaller.
How common is ascariasis?
Ascariasis is the most common human worm infection. Infection
occurs worldwide and is most common in tropical and subtropical
areas where sanitation and hygiene are poor. Children are
infected more often than adults. In the United States, infection
is rare, but most common in rural areas of the southeast.
What are the signs and symptoms of an Ascaris infection?
Most people have no symptoms that are noticeable, but
infection may cause slower growth and slower weight gain. If you
are heavily infected, you may have abdominal pain. Sometimes,
while the immature worms migrate through the lungs, you may cough
and have difficulty breathing. If you have a very heavy worm
infection, your intestines may become blocked.
How is an Ascaris infection spread?
Ascaris eggs are found in human feces. After feces
contaminates the soil, the eggs become infectious after a few
weeks. Infection occurs when a person accidentally ingests
(swallows) infectious Ascaris eggs. Once in the stomach, immature
worms hatch from the eggs. The larvae are carried through the
lungs and then to the throat where they are swallowed. Once
swallowed, they reach the intestines and develop into adult
worms. Adult female worms lay eggs that are then passed in feces;
this cycle will take between 2-3 months.
Pigs can be infected with another species of Ascaris.
Occasionally, a pig Ascaris infection can be spread to humans;
this occurs when infective eggs, found in the soil and manure,
are ingested. Infection is more likely if pig feces is used as
fertilizer in the garden; crops then become contaminated with
Ascaris eggs.
How can I get ascariasis?
You or your children can become infected after touching your
mouth with your hands that have become contaminated with eggs
from soil or other contaminated surfaces or by ingesting
contaminated food or water.
What should I do if I think I have ascariasis?
See your health care provider.
How is diagnosis of Ascaris made?
Your health care provider will ask you to provide stool
samples for testing. Some people notice infection when a worm is
passed in their stool or is coughed up. If this happens, bring in
the worm specimen to your health care provider for diagnosis.
There is no blood test used to diagnose an Ascaris infection.
What is the treatment for ascariasis?
In the United States, Ascaris infections are generally treated
for 1-3 days with medication prescribed by your health care
provider. The drugs are effective and appear to have few side
effects. Your health care provider ill likely request additional
stool exams 1 to 2 weeks after therapy; if the infection is still
present, treatment will be repeated.
I am pregnant and have just been diagnosed with ascariasis.
Can I be treated?
Infection with Ascaris worms is generally light and is not
considered an emergency. Unless your infection is heavy, and your
health may be at risk, treatment is generally postponed until
after delivery of the baby.
How can I prevent infection with Ascaris?
- Avoid contacting soil that may be contaminated with human
feces.
- Do not defecate outdoors.
- Dispose of diapers properly.
- Wash hands with soap and water before handling food.
- When traveling to countries where sanitation and hygiene
are poor, avoid water or food that may be contaminated.
- Wash, peel or cook all raw vegetables and fruits before
eating.
Should I be concerned about spreading infection to the rest
of my household?
No. Infection is not spread from person to person.
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