What is ascariasis?

30 December 2025

It is a very common parasitic infectious condition worldwide, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, an intestinal roundworm that uses the human body to incubate its eggs, turn into larvae, and later into adult worms, which can reach a length of up to 40 cm in some cases.

Generally, ascariasis does not severely affect those who suffer from it, only generating mild symptoms, although in serious cases, it can produce severe complications, such as:

  • Malnutrition and developmental problems in children.
  • Perforated intestine or appendix.
  • Intestinal obstruction.
  • Appendicitis.
  • Blockages of hepatic (liver) and pancreatic ducts.

To contract ascariasis, it is necessary to ingest soil, water, or food contaminated with feces that contain eggs, which is why the best prevention mechanism is maintaining proper hygiene.

Signs and symptoms Ascariasis

Although ascariasis usually does not show symptoms in most patients, in serious cases, symptoms may appear, varying according to the affected body area:

Lungs

  • Persistent coughing fits.
  • Problems breathing.
  • Noises and wheezing.

Intestines:

  • Sore abdomen.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrheal episodes.
  • Bloody stool.
  • Fatigue.
  • Vomiting.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Decrease in body weight.
  • Worms in the vomit or stool.

Diagnosis and treatment Ascariasis

Once the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request various studies such as:

  • Stool analysis (Coproparasitoscopic).
  • Blood test.
  • X-rays.
  • Ultrasound.
  • CT scan (Computed Tomography).

The treatment includes antiparasitic drugs, although in severe cases, surgery will be required to remove the worms and correct any organ damage they may have caused.

In the Department of Internal Medicine at Centro Médico ABC, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, covering both chronic-degenerative conditions and acute episodes, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Ascariasis

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Sierra-Zúñiga MF, Vásquez-Arteaga LR, Mera-Mamián A, et al. Ascariasis intestinal. Tres casos pediátricos con complicaciones severas en Cauca, Colombia. Medicina & Laboratorio. 2020;24(2):153-161.
  • Vázquez TO, Campos RT. Ascariasis y antihelmínticos. Rev Enfer Infec Pediatr. 2011;24.25(98):38.
  • Álvarez-Solís RM, Gutiérrez-Lucatero S, Vargas-Vallejo M, et al. Diferencias clínicas entre oclusión y suboclusión intestinal por Ascaris lumbricoides. Datos que orientan al tratamiento quirúrgico. Acta Pediatr Mex. 2011;32(3):156-162.
  • Martínez-Barbabosa I, Gutiérrez QM, Fernández PAM, et al. Immunoepidemiology of ascariasis on scholar children from Mexico City. Rev Mex Patol Clin Med Lab. 2000;47(1):20-25.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.