ASCARIASIS

(Intestinal Helminthiasis)

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNSUsually no symptomsLow grade feverNonproductive coughBlood tinged sputumWheezing Dyspnea Substernal painUrticariaLocalized ralesHeavy infection produce symptoms:Peptic ulcer symptomsPreprandial or postprandial abdominal disconfort

Complications (1)Larvae lodge ectopically in:BrainKidneyEyesSpinal cordAnd other sites and may cause symptoms referable to those organAdult worms:

Complications (2)Adult worms: May migrate with heavy infections they may be coughed up, vomited, or emerge through the nose or anusMay force themselves into: The common bile ductPancreatic ductAppendixDiverticula and other sitesWhich may lead to:CholeangitisCholecystitisCholelithiasisPyogenic liver abscesPancreatitisOr obstruction jaudiceWith very heavy infections

Complications (3)With very heavy infections, masses of worms may cause:Intestinal obstructionVolvulusIntussusception orDeath During typhoid fever, worms may penetrate the weakened bowel wall

Differential Diagnosis

Treatment Albendazole: periodic treatment of children with albendazole for multiple intestinal parasitism has resulted in improved nutritionPyrantel pamoateMebendazolePiperazineOther drugs (levamisole, Ivermectine)

PrognosisIf there is no complication goodThe complications caused by wandering adult worms that all ascaris infections must be treated and eradicated