Title: Ascaris Parasitic Worms: Phylum & Classification - Biology Class [2021] | Study.com
Headings: Ascaris Parasitic Worms: Phylum & Classification
Ascaris Parasitic Worms: Phylum & Classification
Ascaris Parasitic Worms
Classification in Phylum Nematoda
Parasitic Action of Ascaris Worms
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Content: Ascariasis is treated with anti-parasite medications, resulting in the host passing the ascaris worms naturally, while some advanced cases might require surgery. One such advanced case, which was diagnosed posthumously (after death), was a young child who had 796 Ascaris lumbricoides worms weighting a total of 19 oz encased within her intestines. Prevention of ascariasis includes the ever important washing of hands as well as increased sanitation, whether that be properly functioning toilets or active and proper disposal of human waste as well as the termination of human feces as a fertilizing agent. Lesson Summary
Ascaris worms are a genus of helminths (parasitic worms), meaning that they live off of a host organism, to the detriment of that host. The two most common species are Ascaris suum and Ascaris lumbricoides. While A. suum generally infects pigs, they can infect humans as well. Ascaris are soil-transmitted helminths that infect via the consumption of contaminated soil or foods grown in soil contaminated with Ascaris eggs and belong to the Phylum Nematoda , the phyla designation of all roundworms. Nematodes are pseudocoelomates, ('fake' coelomates), meaning that their fluid filled cavity isn't encased in mesoderm and makes direct contact with their intestinal wall. Ascariasis infections currently affect some 1-2 billion people, with the greatest population being sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Symptoms include: