Publication: Ascaris, ascariasis and its present scenario in Nepal
Date
1999
Authors
Article Type
Review Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN (Print) : 1993-2979 | ISSN (Online) : 1993-2987
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Medicine
Abstract
Abstract
Ascaris (also known as roundworm) is a common human intestinal parasite (Nematoda) known to be existed since 1500 BC. There are two species of Ascaris - A.
lumbricoides (in human) and A. suum (in swine), but, cross-infections reportedly occur. It is a large worm (with separate sex) and is prevalent mainly in developing countries with tropical and sub-tropical climate implicating as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of ascariasis approaches one hundred
percent in certain areas in developing countries. In Nepal, Ascaris has remained as a leading human parasite (known as "juka " locally). In some rural areas, over seventyfive percent people are infected with this parasite. A hospital-based study carried out in the capital city of Kathmandu over a period of one decade has shown a static annual prevalence with a mean of approximately thirty-five percent. Investigators have shown a significant impact of ascariasis on various nutritional parameters among Nepalese. A. lumbricoides, therefore, appears to constitute one of the major causes of public health problem in Nepal though the extent of ascariasis-associated morbidity and mortality has not been investigated yet.
Keywords: Ascaris, ascariasis, health problem, Nepal
Description
Shiba Kumar Rai
Department of Medical Zoology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan
Ganesh Rai
Department of Pathology, Birendra Police Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Keywords
Ascaris, ascariasis, health problem, Nepal
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.59779/jiomnepal.93