Treatment options in the management of Ascaris lumbricoides

Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides constitutes one of the most common helmintic diseases in the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Transmission of this disease involves environmental contamination with eggs, and therefore, is classified as a soil-transmitted disease. The public health importance of ascariasis is made evident by the high number of infected individuals suffering its consequences, which can become severe, depending on the worm burden. Since the introduction of benzimidazoles, chemotherapy has improved significantly, offering fast and direct effects at relatively low cost, as a result of the simple and safe application of these drugs. Unfortunately, the effects are not long-lasting or permanent. The intervention with chemotherapy alone constitutes a fast and efficient way to reduce the worm burden in a population of high prevalence, but does not avoid reinfection. Therefore, the option of integrated control programmes based on chemotherapy in combination with sanitation and health education, together with strong community involvement, must be considered in order to ensure the positive long-term effects of such programmes.