Academic literature on the topic 'Giant tropical worm'

Ascaris lumbricoides (the giant roundworm) is widespread in the tropics and subtropics where sanitation is poor and the soil is contaminated with its eggs. Ingested eggs hatch in the small bowel, cycle through the bloodstream and lungs, then return to the small bowel and develop into adult worms 15 to 30 cm long. Most infections are asymptomatic, but there may be pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia, abdominal discomfort and—in children with heavy infections—intestinal obstruction. Infection is diagnosed by finding eggs in the faeces. Treatment is with pyrantel, mebedenazole, or albendazole....

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