Diseases

Ascaris

Ascaris is a parasitic worm that primarily infests the human small intestine. Infection usually occurs through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, and treatment is done with specialized medications.

Genera of Ascaris parasites

Ascaris is a genus of parasitic nematodes (roundworms) that can infect the intestines of humans and other mammals.

The two most common species that infect humans are:

  • Ascaris lumbricoides – the human roundworm
  • Ascaris suum – the pig roundworm, which can also occasionally infect humans

Life cycle:

  • Ascaris has an indirect life cycle. The eggs are passed in the feces of infected individuals. These eggs mature into infective larvae (L3 larvae) in the environment under suitable conditions (especially moisture and moderately warm climate). Infection occurs when the eggs are swallowed, usually through contaminated food or water.
  • In the intestine, the larvae hatch and penetrate the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. They travel to the liver and then to the lungs via the bloodstream. In the lungs, they break through the alveolar walls, enter the airways, are coughed up, and then swallowed again to return to the intestine. In the intestine, the larvae develop into adult worms.
  • The adult worms produce eggs, which are passed in the feces, completing the life cycle.

Our tests

Appropriate for Ascaris

IFA

Ascaris IgG-antibodies (suum+lumbricoides)

(1x Serum/SST tube)

Analytes (Measurands) marked with a * are not accredited.

Further informations

Ascaris


Ascaris lumbricoides (Human Roundworm):

Ascaris lumbricoides is the species that infects humans. It is one of the most common parasites worldwide and causes ascariasis infection.

Ascaris suum (Pig Roundworm):

Ascaris suum is the roundworm of pigs, which can occasionally infect humans as well.

The transmission of Ascaris occurs through the consumption of food or water contaminated with eggs of the parasite. The eggs, excreted with the stool of infected individuals, mature into infective larvae in the environment. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with these infective eggs.

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Delayed growth

  • Lack of personal hygiene
  • Consumption of undercooked food
  • Drinking water from contaminated sources
  • Living in regions with inadequate sanitation facilities and poor hygiene
  • Children in developing countries are exposed to a higher risk of infection due to their play behavior and proximity to the ground.