ASCARIDIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Ascaridiasis is a medical condition caused by an infestation of the intestinal parasite known as Ascaris lumbricoides, commonly referred to as roundworms. This parasitic infection primarily affects humans and can be found worldwide, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
The roundworms responsible for ascaridiasis are typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food, water, or soil that contains the parasite eggs. Once inside the human body, the eggs hatch in the small intestine, where the larvae then migrate to the lungs through the bloodstream. They are eventually coughed up and swallowed back into the digestive tract, where they mature into adult worms and reproduce. The female worms can lay thousands of eggs per day, which are then excreted in the feces, perpetuating the infection.
Symptoms of ascaridiasis may vary, ranging from mild to severe, and can include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, the worms may cause complications, such as intestinal obstruction or bile duct obstruction, which can lead to more severe symptoms.
Diagnosis of ascaridiasis is typically made through stool sample analysis, where the presence of roundworm eggs can be detected. Treatment typically involves medication to kill the adult worms and/or their larvae, along with supportive therapies to alleviate symptoms and improve nutritional status. Preventive measures, such as practicing good hygiene, washing hands thoroughly, and avoiding consumption of contaminated food and water, are essential in preventing ascaridiasis.
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The presence of ascarides in the intestine and the symptoms caused thereby.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ASCARIDIASIS
- ascardiasis
- zscaridiasis
- sscaridiasis
- wscaridiasis
- qscaridiasis
- aecaridiasis
- asxaridiasis
- asvaridiasis
- asfaridiasis
- asdaridiasis
- asczridiasis
- ascsridiasis
- ascwridiasis
- ascqridiasis
- ascaeidiasis
- ascadidiasis
- ascafidiasis
- ascatidiasis
- asca5idiasis
- asca4idiasis
Etymology of ASCARIDIASIS
The word "ascariasis" is derived from two components: "ascari" and "-asis".
The term "ascari" refers to a genus of parasitic roundworms known as Ascaris. These worms belong to the phylum Nematoda and are responsible for causing the infection known as ascariasis. Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common species that infests the human intestines.
The suffix "-asis" is a medical term used to denote a pathological condition or disease. Therefore, when combined, "ascariasis" is a term that specifically describes the infection caused by Ascaris worms.
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