Question

Which is not true of Ascaris infection?
A.More common in children
B.Does not produce tonsillitis
C.Number can be 50-5000
D.Infection is cured even without medication

Answer 1

Hint: Ascaris is a roundworm that belongs to phylum Nematoda and is known as the most common parasitic worm for humans. Ascaris infection is prevalent throughout the world with highest incidence in tropical and subtropical countries.

Complete answer:
Ascaris is known to cause infection in humans through the fecal-oral route. Eggs are released by adult females in the feces. The eggs can be unfertilized which are not infective or fertilized which are infective and can also remain viable in soil for several months to several years. The fertilized eggs when entered inside the human penetrates the wall of the small intestine and enters the bloodstream. It then reaches the liver and heart and enters into the pulmonary circulation from where it reaches the small intestine where it matures into an adult male or female worm. Most people do not show symptoms but few common symptoms associated with acute infections are cough, fever, bloody sputum, abdominal pain and intestinal ulcers. Apart from the observable symptoms other symptoms include eosinophilia, where the number of eosinophils in blood increases their normal number and pulmonary infiltration. Most people get cured without the need for medications.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: Ascaris infection occurs in places where sanitization is poor. Infection can occur by handling food that contains the fertilized eggs. Ascaris infection can be prevented by using rubbing alcohol, cooking heat and unusually hot composting. Bleach is sometimes effective against Ascaris infection, it does not kill the parasite but helps to wash it away.