Ascaris lumbricoides: A Clinical Case Report

This case report follows J.R., a 31-year-old woman who developed ascariasis, an infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, a parasitic roundworm, while living in South America. The parasite spreads through ingestion of contaminated soil (hence, it is considered a soil-transmitted helminth), water, and food. Ascariasis affects approximately 1 billion people globally and occurs in rural and impoverished regions where access to sanitation services is limited and personal hygiene is poor. This case report discusses clinical manifestations, diagnostic testing, and treatment of ascariasis, as well as nursing management for those with suspected A. lumbricoides infection.