Background
Intestinal nematode infections affect one fourth to one third of the world’s population. Of these, the intestinal roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common. While the vast majority of these cases are asymptomatic, infected persons may present with pulmonary or potentially severe gastrointestinal complaints. Ascariasis predominates in areas of poor sanitation and is associated with malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, and impairments of growth and cognition.
Ascaris lumbricoides is shown in the image below.
Adult Ascaris lumbricoides.