Ascariasis

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Digestive system organs

Roundworm eggs - ascariasis

Treatment includes medications that paralyze or kill intestinal parasitic worms, such as albendazole or mebendazole. If there is a blockage of the intestine caused by a large number of worms, endoscopy or, rarely, surgery may be needed.

Most people recover from the infection, even without treatment. However, complications may be caused by adult worms that move to certain organs or multiply and cause a blockage in the intestine.

• Biliary (liver secretion) tract obstruction
• Perforation (hole) in gut
• Blockage in the intestine

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of this disease, particularly if you have traveled to areas which may be affected. Also call if symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment or if new symptoms occur.

Review Date: 10/09/2006
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.