Every thing you want to know about Ascariasis

Ascariasis

·         Infection caused by a parasitic roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides.

Mode of Transmission:

Ø  Transmitted through contaminated fingers put into the mouth.

Ø  Ingestion of contaminated food and drinks.

Diagnostic tests

·         Stool for Ova – demonstration of a fertilized or unfertilized eggs in the stool “Kato Technics”.

·         Abdominal X-ray – densed shadow of adult ascaris which looks like strands of spaghetti, “dot” sign

·         Routine blood counts – significant eosinophelia

Treatment

·         Albendazole or Mebendazole

·         Piperazine Citrate

·         Pyrantel Pamoate

Nursing Interventions

·         Isolation is not needed.

·         Preventive measures in each home and in the community should be enforced.

·         All members of the family must be taught of health matters – must be trained to wash their hands before handling food, must be taught to was thoroughly all fruits and vegetables eaten raw, and must be taught about effective sewage disposal.

·         Availability of toilet facilities must be ensured.

·         Importance of personal hygiene should be explained.