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Roundworms, Intestinal

Jarrett Keller Sell, MD FAAFP AAHIVS and Kaylette C Jenkins, Master of Biological Sciences, Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Human infections by nonsegmented, elongated helminthic parasites (nematodes)

  • Pinworms are the most common human worm infection.

  • The adult stage infects the human intestinal tract. Larv...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • E. vermicularis

    • Most infections are asymptomatic; nocturnal perianal itching is the most common symptom.

    • Abdominal pain is possible with high parasite burden.

  • T. trichiura

    • Symptomatic if ...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

First Line

  • E. vermicularis (pinworm): pyrantel pamoate 11 mg/kg PO once (max 1 g); with a repeat dose 2 weeks later or albendazole 400 mg PO or mebendazole 100 mg PO once, repeat do...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Reinfection is possible; immunity does not develop (7)[A]. 

Patient Monitoring

Follow-up stool studies at 2 weeks; retreat if necessary. Repeat Strongyloides serol...

REFERENCES

1
Requena-Méndez A, Buonfrate D, Gomez-Junyent J, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for screening and management of strongyloidiasis in non-endemic Countries. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2017;97(3):64...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Schär F, Trostdorf U, Giardina F, et al. Strongyloides stercoralis: global distribution and risk factors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2013;7(7):e2288.

  • ...

SEE ALSO

Intestinal Parasites; Roundworms 

CODES

ICD10

  • B77.0 Ascariasis with intestinal complications

  • B77.9 Ascariasis, unspecified

SNOMED

  • 187171000 Ascariasis with intestinal complications (disorder)

  • 2435008 Ascariasis (disorder)

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Ascariasis is the most common worldwide nematode infection.

  • E. vermicularis (pinworm) is the most common U.S. nematode infection.

  • Eosinophilia is best indicator of infection with N. amer...

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