Question

What are the causes of Ascariasis?

Answer 1

Hint: Ascaris is a type of parasitic roundworm that lives in the small intestines of humans. It causes the worm infection called Ascariasis. The infection starts when a person accidentally swallows the roundworm eggs. The eggs hatch into worms in the small intestine and they grow up to inches long. The worms penetrate the intestinal wall to enter into the bloodstream and cause severe infection.

Complete answer:
The life cycle of Ascaris includes migration, maturation and reproduction. The roundworm eggs hatch within the small intestine of a person and produce larvae. The larvae develop into either male or female worms. The female worms are longer than the male worms and produce around eggs every day. The eggs leave the human body through faeces and become infective.
The main cause for Ascariasis is ingestion of roundworm eggs from the stool of infected humans or animals.
These worms are found in association with poor personal hygiene, poor sanitation and in places where human faeces are used as fertilizer. The Ascaris infection is more common in warm and moist climates. It is more prevalent in countries with poor hygiene and sanitation.
People who raise animals or use raw animal manure as fertilizer are at higher risk for infection with Ascaris worms.

Note:
The symptoms of Ascaris infection include coughing, presence of worms in stool, difficulty in breathing, diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss etc. Antiparasitic drugs are prescribed to counter this infection and in more severe cases, surgery is suggested. To avoid contracting the infection, one must follow good personal hygiene and eat clean food. Washing the hands before eating is necessary.