Ascaris (Male and Female) - Diagram

Ascaris lumbricoides Classification

Ascaris lumbricoides is a parasitic roundworm. The roundworm parasite belongs to the kingdom Animalia. It is a multicelled organism. It belongs to the phylum Aschelminthes, which includes roundworms.

Also read:

• Animal Kingdom

• Coelom

• Earthworm morphology and anatomy

Difference between Ascaris lumbricoides Male and Female

Ascaris is a genus of parasitic roundworms that can infect humans and other animals (shows parasitism). Here are some of the key differences between Ascaris lumbricoides male and female:

Types of Ascariasis

Ascariasis is a parasitic roundworm infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. There are two different types of ascariasis:

1. Intestinal ascariasis: There are many different symptoms of this type of ascariasis, including vomiting and gas. Symptoms also include weight loss, diarrhoea, malabsorption of food, growth retardation, and nausea.

2. Pulmonary Ascariasis: In this type of ascariasis, a persistently high temperature is one of the major symptoms that can be seen within a few hours of infection.

Mode of infection of Ascaris lumbricoides

The Ascaris lumbricoides causes ascariasis infection, a common parasitic roundworm. The roundworm parasite spreads via the fecal-oral route, and direct person-to-person transmission does not occur. The infection requires ingesting infective eggs from the environment, which can be through the following ways:

• Swallowing embryonated eggs present in soil contaminated with human feces.

• Consuming raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits grown in contaminated soil.

• Drinking contaminated water.

• Using unwashed hands after contact with contaminated soil or objects.

After ingestion, the Ascaris eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae migrate through the body and eventually mature into adult worms in the small intestine. The roundworm infects worldwide but is most dominant in regions with poor sanitation, particularly in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America.

Incubation period of Ascaris lumbricoides

The incubation period of Ascaris lumbricoides is between 60 and 75 days to infect a man. During this time, the roundworm parasite develops inside the human body. The ascariasis infection begins at the point of infection exposure and lasts until the mature female Ascaris lumbricoides lays her eggs, and symptoms can be seen. This is the time when the infection multiplies and causes disease.

Ascaris lumbricoides NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Question 1: Ascaris is an

1. Exoparasite of blood vessels

2. Intestinal endoparasite

3. Endoparasite of the nervous system

4. Intestinal exoparasite

Correct Answer: 2) Intestinal endoparasite

Explanation:

The parasitic roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides is the main cause of human infections worldwide and affects the intestines of humans. The largest intestinal nematode parasitising the human digestive system is this one. The life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides can be disrupted by good sanitation measures, such as the appropriate handling and disposal of human and pig waste.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Intestinal endoparasite.

Question 2: Ascaris completes its life cycle in

1. Man only

2. Man and sheep

3. Man and mosquito

4. Man and cow

Correct Answer: 1) Man only

Explanation:

The life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides is initiated by fertilised eggs that hatch out in the soil and form infective eggs in the soil. People ingest eggs of Ascaris when the food and water available are contaminated with eggs of the parasite. Larvae penetrate the wall of the intestine, entering the liver and lungs via the blood. They travel through the pharynx down to the gut, where they mature into adult worms that reproduce, continuing the cycle.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Man only.

Question 3: Female Ascaris differs from the male Ascaris in

1. Having pineal setae

2. Body length

3. Tail curvature

4. All of these

Correct Answer: 2) Body Length

Explanation:

Ascaris lumbricoides is an endoparasite affecting humans as well as other animals like cats and horses. Adult worms are long, with tapering ends, slim, and cylindrical. Females are longer than males and exhibit sexual dimorphism. Ascariasis is an infection predominantly occurring in children, inhibiting growth and cognitive improvement. Adult worms reside inside the intestines and cause numerous eggs that are secreted in the faecal matter.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2) Body length.

Also Read:

• Phylum Porifera

• Phylum Cnidaria

• Phylum Platyhelminthes