Ascaris lumbricoides: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 19:41, 7 September 2014

Background

Clinical Features

  • Morbidity is related to number of worms harbored in intestines
  • Light infections often asymptomatic
  • Heavier infections with variety of manifestations including GI symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool, rectal prolapse), malaise, weakness, impaired cognitive / physical development, malnutrition[1]</ref>

Löffler’s syndrome

  • Result of Ascaris or hookworm larval transit through the lungs
  • Characterized by persistent non-productive cough, chest pain, wheezing, rales, pulmonary infiltrates on CXR and marked eosinophilia

Differential Diagnosis

  • Hookworm
  • Whipworm

Workup

Management

  • Albendazole 400 mg x 1 dose OR mebendazole 100 mg BID x 3 days (both high efficacy)

Disposition

See Also

External Links

Sources

  1. Wilcox S, Thomas S, Brown D, Nadel E. “Gastrointestinal Parasite.” The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2007; 33(3):277-280