Roundworm

Subject: Community Health Nursing II

Overview

Roundworm is the slang term for Ascaris lumbricoides. The largest intestinal nematode parasitizing people is this one. The adult worm is found in the jejunum of the human small intestine. It comes in three different morphological forms: egg, rhabditiform larva, and adult. Embryonized infectious form Access point-Alimentary canal (ingestion) Placement: small intestine Clinical traits include: 1. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loss of appetite and colicky cramps that come and go. 2. Malnutrition could happen. 3. Intestinal blockage could result from a severe infection. 4. The worms may pass down the esophagus and exit through the mouth and nose or they may be thrown up. 5.Allergy symptoms could develop as a result of the worm's secretion of toxic bodily fluid (ascaron).

Roundworm is the term for Ascaris lumbricoides. It is found all around the world. The largest intestinal nematode parasitizing people is this one.

Habitat:

  • The adult worm lives in the small intestine (jejunum)of man.

Morphology:

  • It occurs in three morphological form i.e.
    • Egg
    • Rhabditiform larva
    • Adult

Life cycle:

One host is required for the entire life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides. A host in the middle is not necessary. The only undisputed host is the man. Adult worms reside in the human jejunum. Unsegmented ova from fertilized eggs are expelled in the stool. Development of eggs occurs in the soil. To become infectious, they must go through a period of incubation in soil. In 40–10 days, a radiciform ovum has its first molting inside the egg shell. These rhbditirom larvae-containing eggs are harmful to humans.

Modes of infection:

  • Infective form- Embryonated
  • Portal of entry- Alimentary canal(ingestion)
  • Site of location- Small intestine

Clinical features

Effective due to the adult worms are as follow:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loss of appetite and colicky cramps that come and go.
  • Malnutrition could happen.
  • Intestinal blockage could result from a severe infection.
  • The worms may pass down the esophagus and exit through the mouth and nose, or they may be vomited up.
  • Allergic symptoms could develop as a result of the worm's secretion of poisonous bodily fluid (ascaron).

Laboratory Diagnosis

  • Stool examination
  • Demonstration of adult worms
  • Demonstration of larvae
  • Serodiagnosis
  • Eosinophilia

Treatment

  • Pyrantal pamoate (single close), mebendazole (100 mg twice daily for 3 days), Albendazole (400 mg in single does) and piperazine citrate for 2 days may be used for the treatment of ascaris.

Prophylaxis

Ascariasis can be prevalent by the following measure:

  • Disposal of human waste properly.
  • Avoid eating uncooked vegetables.

REFERENCE

  • Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Health Nursing II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2012 (reprint).
  • Dr.Suwal S.N. & Tuitui R. (2063) A Textbook of Community Health Nursing, 1st edition, Vidyarthi Prakashan (P). Ltd. Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu
  • HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/health/ascariasis
  • Mandal, G.N. Textbook of Adult Nursing. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2013.
  • MedicineNet. 1996. 2017 http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12512
  • NHS Choice. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Roundworm/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
  • Tuitui, Roshani. Community Health Nursing. Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Prakashan (P.) LTD., 2067.

 
Things to remember
    • A common name for Ascaris lumbricoides is roundworm.
    • Largest intestinal nematode parasitizing man.
    • The adult worm lives in the small intestine (jejunum)of man.

    • Occurs in three morphological form i.e.

      -Egg

      -Rhabditiform larva

      -Adult

    • Ascaris lumbricoides passes its life cycle in only one host.
    • Clinical features are: Malnutrition, intestinal obstruction due to heavy infection
    • It can be diagnosed by Stool examination, Demonstration of adult worms, Demonstration of larvae, Serodiagnosis, Eosinophilia.
    • It can be treated by using appropriate medicine as doctors prescription like albendazole and mebendazole.
    • It can be prevented by disposing the feces in a proper place and avoiding the consumption of raw foods.

 

Questions and Answers

The common name for Ascaris lumbricoides is roundworm. It is the largest intestinal nematode parasitizing man.

Clinical features 

Effective due to the adult worms are as follow:

1.Symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract i.e intermittent colicky and cramps loss of appetite.

2.Malnutrition may occur.

3Heayv infection may cause intestinal obstruction.

4.The worms may be vomited out or may pass through the oesophagus and come out through the mouth and nose.

  1. The release of toxic body fluid (ascaron) of the worm may lead to allergic manifestations.

 

Laboratory Diagnosis for roundworm are:

  1. Stool examination
  2. Demonstration of adult worms
  3. Demonstration of larvae
  4. Serodiagnosis
  5. Eosinophilia

Ascari treatment options include albendazole (400 mg once daily for 3 days), piperazine citrate for 2 days, pyrantal pamoate (single dose), and mebendazole (100 mg twice daily for 3 days).

The following indicator can indicate the prevalence of ascariasis:

  • Disposal of human faces properly.
  • Avoid eating uncooked vegetables.

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.