Ascaris lumbricoides

Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most widespread human parasitic worms in the world. It's an impressive nematode (roundworm) that can reach 20 to 35 cm in length in females, yes, a true giant of the parasitic microbiome ! It primarily infects humans in regions where sanitation and access to clean water are limited.

How do you catch Ascaris ? By swallowing, often unknowingly, microscopic eggs present in contaminated food, water, or soil. Once ingested, these eggs hatch in the intestine, releasing tiny larvae ready to embark on their great adventure…

The incredible migration: The larvae cross the intestinal wall, travel in the bloodstream, go up to the lungs, then… are swallowed again ! This journey allows them to become adult worms in the small intestine, where they can live for more than a year.

Symptoms: Often, the infection goes unnoticed. But when there are many worms, they can cause abdominal pain, coughing as they pass into the lungs, digestive problems, and sometimes intestinal obstruction in children (their preferred location).

Prevention and treatment: Simple antiparasitic medications can get rid of them. Prevention also includes: washing hands, cooking food properly, and having access to clean water!

This parasite travels extensively, and its sticker could travel with you too (more safely, of course)! Add this fascinating worm sticker to your collection!

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PUN: A. lumbricoides will give you A-scare-is!