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Ascaris Lumbricoides (Ascariasis), Pediatric

Amaya L. Bustinduy, MD, MPH, PhD, FRCPCH Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Ascaris lumbricoides is a large parasitic nematode (roundworm), 15 to 40 cm in length, which infects humans via eggs found in soil. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Geographic distribution: South America...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms include the following:

    • Abdominal distention

    • Pain

    • Nausea

    • Diarrhea

    • Decreased appetite

  • In the chronic phase, ascariasis is associated with the following:

    • Growth stunti...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

First Line

  • Oral

    • Albendazole

      • 400 mg, single dose

      • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 200 mg single dose for children <1 year old.

    • Mebendazole

      • 100 mg, b.i.d. for 3 days or 50...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Treatment is highly effective.

  • Reexamination of stool specimens 2 weeks after therapy can be considered but is not essential.

  • Reinfection is common in endemic areas...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Ascaris lumbricoides infections. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, et al, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. ...

CODES

ICD9

127.0 Ascariasis 

ICD10

  • B77.9 Ascariasis, unspecified

  • B77.0 Ascariasis with intestinal complications

  • B77.81 Ascariasis pneumonia

  • B77.89 Ascariasis with other complications

SNOMED

  • 50982003 Infection...

FAQ

  • Q: What are the long-term effects of untreated Ascaris infection in children?

  • A: Growth stunting and cognitive delays are the most common long-term effects of untreated infections. Given the preval...

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