Askaridët

Askaridët refers to a group of parasitic roundworms belonging to the phylum Nematoda, commonly known as ascarids. The most well-known and medically significant species is Ascaris lumbricoides, which infects humans. These roundworms are large, with females typically reaching 20-35 cm in length and males being somewhat smaller. They inhabit the small intestine of their host.

The life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides involves the ingestion of embryonated eggs, usually from contaminated soil or food. Once ingested, the larvae hatch in the small intestine and then migrate through the intestinal wall, liver, and lungs before returning to the small intestine where they mature into adult worms. Adult worms feed on partially digested food in the host's intestine.

Infections with Ascaris lumbricoides are known as ascariasis. While many infections are asymptomatic, heavy infestations can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, malnutrition, intestinal blockage, and impaired growth in children. Diagnosis is typically made by identifying the characteristic eggs in stool samples.

Treatment for ascariasis involves antiparasitic medications. Prevention relies on good hygiene practices, including proper handwashing and safe food preparation, as well as sanitation measures to prevent soil contamination with infective eggs. Other species of ascarids infect various animals, such as dogs and cats, and can sometimes pose a zoonotic risk.