In order to survive, parasites must take up residence in the body of another creature. One of the most common types of parasite found in the human body is the roundworm (Trichophyton mentagrophytes). Roundworms, such as Ascaris, live in the small intestine of humans, where they cause significant damage. Furthermore, the species of roundworm responsible for this infection is Ascaris lumbricoides. It is the larvae and adult worms that live and create in the small intestine that are the source of the disease. In order to grow and mature, these worms must consume nutrients from the human body. Aside from that, adult worms can grow to be over 30 centimetres in length.
Ascaris Lumbricoides Cycle
Ingestion:
Unless the minute ascariasis eggs come into contact with dirt, they will not become infectious. Furthermore, humans can unintentionally make contact with these polluted soils by consuming any uncooked vegetables or fruits that have been cultivated in any polluted soil. Aside from that, the failure to properly wash one’s hands before eating is yet another source of infection with this parasite.
Migration:
Ascaris lumbricoides undergoes two stages of migration during the second stage of its life history. Once they have passed through the intestinal wall and into the lungs, they are supported by either the circulatory system or the lymphatic system, depending on the circumstance.
Maturation:
As soon as they are reintroduced into the colon, these parasites mature into either male or female worms. Approximately 40 centimetres (15 inches) in length and less than 6 millimetres (quarter inch) in diameter, female worms are the size of a quarter inch. Male worms, on the other hand, are significantly smaller than female worms.
Reproduction:
Specifically, the small intestine is where the reproductive process occurs. Furthermore, female worms have the ability to create approximately 200,000 eggs per day on their own bodies. It is through faeces that these eggs are expelled from the human body. Furthermore, these fertilised eggs must remain in the soil for a minimum of 18 days before they can get infected with the disease. Furthermore, it will take around 2-3 months to effectively complete this entire process from beginning to end. Furthermore, Ascaris can have a life cycle of up to 2 years within one human.
Symptoms of Ascaris
Individuals are unable to detect the presence of this parasite in the early stages. Patients, on the other hand, may experience symptoms such as the following when the infestation in the small intestine progresses:
- Appetite sluggishness
- Pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- The presence of worms in one’s faeces
- Loss of weight
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Constipation that is not regular
Additionally, when these parasites reach the lungs in an advanced stage, an individual may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- coughing up blood
- Mucus that is red in colour
- Chest pain is a source of concern.
- Wheezing
- Breathing difficulties
Diagnosis of Ascaris
The collection of a stool sample is the primary method for diagnosing the presence of the Ascaris suum life cycle in a human. However, during the early phases of an infestation, this procedure may not be effective. Imaging tests, on the other hand, are usually useful in determining the quantity of eggs that are contained within a person. This is accomplished by the use of imaging techniques such as MRI, endoscope, CT scan, ultrasound, and so on.
Ascaris Removal and Treatment
Anti-parasitic medications are typically recommended to treat this condition. For those suffering from severe cases of the illness, surgery is their only alternative.
Prevention from Ascaris
Ascaris prevention is essential
Maintaining proper hygiene is the most effective method of protecting oneself from the Ascaris life cycle. Hand washing before eating and thoroughly cleaning fruits and vegetables will help you avoid contracting this sickness. If left unchecked for an extended period of time, the Ascaris life cycle can become a serious health hazard. Otherwise, effective treatment can swiftly alleviate the symptoms. Furthermore, the extensive study notes provided by Vedantu allow students to understand more about roundworms and the many forms of roundworms. You can also use our Vedantu app to have quick access to these notes as well as online interactive sessions to get further clarity on the subject. Ascaris lumbricoides is a kind of roundworm that, when it infects the small intestine, causes an infection known as Ascariasis, which is a type of parasitic infection. Roundworms are parasitic worms that are responsible for a significant number of infections. People can contract the virus by consuming infected food or drinking polluted water. Although there are normally no symptoms associated with the illness, the infection or the amount of worms might create issues in the intestines or the lungs if they become more prevalent.
Causes of Ascariasis
Those that consume the eggs of the Ascaris lumbricoides parasite might become infected with ascariasis (a parasitic infection). It is possible to find roundworm eggs in polluted soil that has been exposed to human excrement, raw foods, or contaminated water. It is believed that children who play in contaminated soil and then stick their hands in their mouth are more prone to get Ascariasis than other children.
Conclusion
Human beings become infected with these worms when they consume food or drink that has been contaminated with Ascaris worm eggs or larvae. Ascaris is primarily found in humans and swine, but it can also be found in other animals. Monkeys, dogs, and other animals are also common hosts for Ascaris. Ascaris is classified as a member of the phylum Aschelminthes. Roundworms are the most common name for them.. The sexes are distinct, and females are noticeably longer than males. The alimentary canal has a well-developed muscular pharynx, and the gastrointestinal tract is well-developed. The excretory pore is the passageway through which waste products are expelled.