Ascariasis is a relatively common disease, with children being more susceptible. Numerous factors contribute to its occurrence, presenting diverse symptoms and requiring various treatment approaches. Today, for the health of all children, we've prepared information on the transmission routes of ascariasis, its treatment methods, and medication options. We hope you find this helpful.
Transmission Routes of Ascariasis
Female roundworms possess remarkable reproductive capacity, producing up to 200,000 eggs daily. Fertilized eggs are expelled through feces and mature into infectious eggs within 3–4 weeks under suitable temperatures.
When humans ingest these infectious eggs, the larvae burrow into the mucosal blood vessels of the small intestine. They travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, reach the throat via the bronchi, are swallowed back into the stomach, and finally mature into adult worms in the small intestine.
1. Eggs can become airborne with dust, be inhaled into the throat, swallowed, and cause infection.
2. When human feces are used as fertilizer, vegetables and fruits become contaminated with eggs, serving as intermediate hosts. Eating unwashed or uncooked fruits, raw vegetables, pickles, or fermented vegetables can cause infection.
3. In rural areas, open defecation contaminates courtyard soil. Children playing on the ground, sucking fingers, eating without washing hands, or eating while playing are susceptible to infection. Drinking untreated water from contaminated sources can also lead to infection.
Clinical Manifestations of Ascariasis
Symptoms vary depending on the parasite's location within the host and its developmental stage.
Ascariasis migrans: Migration of larvae within the host causes fever, general malaise, and hives.
Upon reaching the lungs, symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and blood-streaked sputum. Severe cases may present with chest pain, dyspnea, and cyanosis.
Chest X-rays reveal migratory infiltrative shadows, clinically termed allergic pneumonia or Löffler's syndrome.
Peripheral blood shows marked eosinophilia, and approximately 10% of patients have detectable larvae in sputum.
Outbreaks of epidemic asthma caused by larvae have been repeatedly reported in regions like Zhejiang, China, with incidence rates as high as 20%–50%.
Common symptoms of ascariasis include umbilical pain, loss of appetite, excessive hunger, diarrhea, constipation, and urticaria. Children may exhibit drooling, teeth grinding, and restlessness, with severe cases leading to malnutrition.
When environmental conditions change—such as during high fever—ascaris may knot into masses, obstructing the intestinal lumen and causing intestinal obstruction. Patients experience severe abdominal colic accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and expulsion of worms. A movable, sausage-like mass may be palpable in the abdomen.
Sometimes ascariasis-related intestinal obstruction can progress to strangulating obstruction, intestinal volvulus, or intussusception, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.
Ascaris worms may also perforate the intestinal wall, causing intestinal perforation and peritonitis. Without prompt surgery, this can be fatal.
Extraintestinal Ascariasis Due to their burrowing nature, roundworms may migrate from the intestinal tract to other perforated organs when their parasitic environment changes, causing extraintestinal ascariasis. Common forms include:
① Biliary Ascariasis Most prevalent in children and young adults, with a higher incidence in females.
Triggers include high fever, diarrhea, pregnancy, and childbirth.