Ascaris

Description

Ascaris is a genus of parasitic Nematode Worms (i.e. a genus of Roundworm).  It is the largest of the human intestinal Roundworms - an adult female can measure up to 35 cm (14 inches) in length.  They are characterized by a mouth surrounded by three lips.  They look like a common earth worm and are creamy-white in color.

Serious, sometimes fatal, complications result from the infiltration of Ascaris into sensitive tissues, such as the Brain, and from the migration of the adult worms into various body structures where they produce abcesses and toxic manifestations.

Adult Ascaris worms live for six to twelve months. 

 Ascaris is the most prevalent Intestinal Parasite (Helminth) in the world - approximaetly one billion persons are infected and 20,000 people die from this infection each year.