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Roundworms, Intestinal

Pauline Roxas, MD and Sidney Ontai, MBA, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Human infections by nonsegmented, filament-like, cylindrical or elongated helminthic parasites (nematodes)

  • Other nematodes that cause human infection nest in lymphatic vessels (Filari...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • E. vermicularis

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

    • Abdominal pain and diarrhea are possible with high parasite burden.

  • T. trichiura

    • S...

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. 

Patient Monitoring

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

REFERENCES

1
Mbong Ngwese M, Prince Manouana G, Nguema Moure PA, et al. Diagnostic Techniques of Soil-Transmitted Helminths: Impact on Control Measures. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2020;5...

ADDITIONAL READING

Ahmed M. Intestinal Parasitic Infections in 2023.  Gastroenterology Res. 2023;16(3):127-140. doi:10.14740/gr1622  

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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