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Background
- Morbidity is related to number of worms harbored in intestines
Clinical Features
- 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
Cestodes (Tapeworms)
Trematodes (Flukes)
Nematodes (Roundworms)
Diagnosis
Management
- Albendazole 400 mg x 1 dose OR mebendazole 100 mg BID x 3 days (both high efficacy)
Disposition
- Generally may be discharged
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Wilcox S, Thomas S, Brown D, Nadel E. “Gastrointestinal Parasite.” The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2007; 33(3):277-280