infectious diseases
Ascariasis
Key Points
Ascariasis is the most prevalent intestinal helminth infection in the world. Eggs hatch in the intestines, and larvae migrate first to the lungs and then to the intestines, where they mature. Larvae in the lungs may cause cough and wheezing; masses of adult worms may obstruct the intestines and single adult worms may migrate into and obstruct bile or pancreatic ducts. Diagnose by microscopic examination of the stool; occasionally, adult worms are seen. Treat withalbendazole,mebendazole, orivermectin; obstructions may require surgical or endoscopic extraction of the worms. 