Ascaris Lumbricoides & Ascariasis
Information and Prevention

Ascaris Lumbricoides (Large Intestinal Roundworms) are common to the earthworm and range in length from 6-13 inches. The adults are large white, or pinkish-white. The males are more slender than the females and the females can be as thick as a pencil. Ascaris Lumbicoides causes a common infection called Ascariasis, which there are 1500 million cases worldwide. The infection occurs in both tropical and subtropical areas where sanitation and hygiene are poor.

Symptoms of Ascariasis infection may include: abdominal pain, cough, intestine blockages, and difficulty breathing. Ascaris Lumbicoides eggs are transmitted by human feces, typically from hand to mouth, although, some countries may use human feces as fertilizer. It is when a person is heavily infected with a multitude of Ascaris Lumbicoides that symptoms will begin to appear, and a multitude in the lungs can cause Pneumonia.