Ascaris

Bitch Spulwurmes ( Ascaris lumbricoides )

The roundworms ( Ascaris ) are a genus of roundworms ( Nematoda ), which is also generally known under the collective term ascarids. The best known representatives are the roundworm ( Ascaris lumbricoides ) and the Schweinespulwurm ( Ascaris suum ).

Characteristics and lifestyle

The worms live in the intestines and are long up to 40 cm, the males are smaller than females. Transmission occurs through contact with feces, in which the eggs are with the larvae. After oral ingestion of eggs, eg via unwashed hands, contaminated food or drinking water, the larvae hatch in the small intestine of their host and migrate via the blood vessels in the liver and the lungs. From the lungs the larvae are coughed up and abgeschluckt again. This process is called " tracheal migration ". Its purpose is unclear. Once again in the intestine, the larvae then develop into adult worms. In pregnant women, it can lead to a transfer of the larvae through the placenta to the baby. By means of feces ( flotation ) can be a possible infestation can be diagnosed. The lifespan of roundworms is one year or longer, the eggs can remain infectious for years in favorable conditions in nature.

Swell

• H. MEHLHORN, G. PIEKARSKI, floor plan of the parasites customer, Heidelberg, 6th edition, 2002.

• Nematodes