Ascariasis Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about ascariasis
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can I catch ascariasis from my cat or dog?
- Can I spread the infection to others?
- Can I see the eggs in the food I eat?
Can I catch ascariasis from my cat or dog?
No, but similar worms and parasites can be passed from these pets, and some other animals, if general hygiene is poor.
Explanation
Ascaris lumbricoides, the worm that causes ascariasis, has evolved to live inside humans. It doesn't live inside cats and dogs. However, roundworms similar to A. lumbricoides do live in cats, dogs, and some other animals.
Eggs from cat and dog faeces can infect people. Children and people with poor hygiene standards may become infected, especially if the animal waste isn't being disposed of properly. If you become infected, the worm larvae don't grow into adults. However, they may cause toxocariasis - an illness caused by the larvae migrating through the body. This can cause fever, asthma or liver problems depending on where the larvae travel. Rarely, it can cause more serious problems if the larvae reach the eyes or brain. Toxocariasis usually resolves on its own as the larvae die. However, it may also be treated with certain medicines that kill the larvae.
Because of the risk of infection it's important to have your pets de-wormed, to clean up their waste and prevent children putting things that aren't food in their mouth.
A worm that is almost identical to A. lumbricoides lives in pigs. If pig manure is used as a fertiliser it can sometimes contaminate crops with eggs, spreading the infection to people who eat them.
Sources
- Ascaris lumbricoides. University of Cambridge Department of Pathology Schistosome Research Group. www.path.cam.ac.uk, accessed 15 May 2008
- Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005:1254-1257
- Eddleston M, Davidson R, Wilkinson R, et al. Oxford Handbook of Tropical Medicine. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:380, 352
- Ascaris infection. Division of Parasitic Diseases. www.cdc.gov, accessed 15 May 2008
Can I spread the infection to others?
No, not directly.
Explanation
Ascariasis infection isn't spread between people. It's only transmitted through food contaminated with eggs from the faeces of an infected person.
To prevent ascariasis from being spread, sanitation and hygiene measures need to be high. Using human manure to fertilise crops is a common way that ascariasis is spread in developing countries.
Although it is rare, the eggs can sometimes be carried on food such as vegetables to areas where the infection is uncommon. It's important to wash your hands before preparing food. Make sure you wash, peel or cook raw vegetables before you eat them.
In developing countries defaecating outside spreads ascariasis. You should make sure you get rid of baby nappies properly. Always wash your hands after using the toilet or changing nappies. You should also avoid any contact with soil which may have had contact with human faeces.
Sources
- Ascaris infection. Division of Parasitic Diseases. www.cdc.gov, accessed 15 May 2008
- Ascaris lumbricoides. Cambridge University Department of Pathology Schistosome Research Group. www.path.cam.ac.uk, accessed 15 May 2008
- Eddleston M, Davidson R, Wilkinson R, et al. Oxford Handbook of Tropical Medicine. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005:380, 352
- Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005:1254-1257
Can I see the eggs in the food I eat?
No.
Explanation
Ascariasis eggs are microscopic, only 45 to 70 micrometres in size, so you cannot see them in your food or on your hands.
Sources
- Image library. Division of Parasitic Diseases. www.cdc.gov, accessed 15 May 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Ascariasis factsheet
Visit the ascariasis health factsheet for more information.
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