Related Experiment Videos
Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis.
1Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Ascariasis, a global parasitic worm infection, affects billions, causing significant health issues like malnutrition and biliary disease, particularly in developing nations. Effective treatments like albendazole offer control through mass therapy.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Ascariasis is a widespread helminthic infection impacting over 1.4 billion people globally, predominantly in Asia and Latin America.
- While many cases are asymptomatic, heavy worm loads cause severe Ascariasis-related clinical disease, leading to an estimated 1.2-2 million cases and 20,000 deaths annually in endemic regions.
- Recurring infections in children contribute to stunting, cognitive impairment, and malnutrition, while in adults, it can cause biliary and pancreatic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the global impact, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for Ascariasis.
- To highlight Ascariasis-associated biliary and pancreatic diseases (HPA) and their complications.
- To review current diagnostic tools and effective therapeutic options for Ascariasis control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Ascariasis prevalence, clinical disease, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Analysis of Ascariasis-related complications, including biliary and pancreatic involvement.
- Evaluation of diagnostic modalities such as ultrasonography and ERCP.
- Assessment of anthelmintic drugs for mass therapy.
Main Results:
- Ascariasis affects over 1.4 billion people worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality in endemic areas.
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis (HPA) are significant complications, particularly in adult women, leading to conditions like acute pancreatitis and hepatic abscess.
- Ultrasonography and ERCP are valuable for diagnosing and managing biliary and pancreatic Ascariasis.
- Anthelmintics including pyrantel pamoate, mebendazole, albendazole, and levamisole are effective for treatment and mass drug administration.
Conclusions:
- Ascariasis remains a major global health concern with diverse clinical presentations, from growth stunting in children to severe hepatobiliary complications in adults.
- Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for managing Ascariasis and its complications.
- Mass therapy with effective anthelmintics is a viable strategy for controlling Ascariasis in endemic regions.