Ascaris lumbricoides infections have been reported in more than 150 countries

across the globe, particularly in tropic, subtropic and temperate regions.

Approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide are infected, 4 million of whom live in
the United States. As an obligate internal parasite of humans, Ascaris lumbricoides
can theoretically be found wherever humans are present. The highly durable eggs
can remain dormant in the soil for up to 10 years and are resistant to many adverse
conditions. (Chong, 2003; Dora-Laskey, et al., 2009; Khuroo, 1996)
Habitat
The roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides is an obligate internal parasite and adults
usually reside in the small intestine of humans, specifically the jejunum. The worm
produces a pepsin inhibitor to prevent host enzymes from digesting it and uses
muscular activity to avoid being excreted. The life cycle involves no free-living
stages or intermediate hosts, although fertilized eggs require up to 3 weeks of
embryonation in soil before becoming infective and can survive for up to 10 years in
soil under warm, moist conditions. As part of the life cycle, larva briefly migrate via
the circulatory and lymphatic systems through the liver, heart and lungs. Rarely the
worms may migrate to other regions of the body including the appendix, pancreas,
kidneys or brain. Temporary infections can be induced in other mammals (rodents),
but following migration through the liver and lungs the larvae are expelled from the
intestine. (Baron, et al., 1996; Bethony, et al., 2006; Crompton, 1988; Dora-Laskey,
et al., 2009; Khuroo, 1996; Sprent, 1952)

Transmission
Eggs of Ascaris are found in the feces of humans. They can be found in
contaminated soil. The eggs can remain viable for months to years within the soil.
The eggs can also be transmitted through undercooked produce previously
contaminated with soil containing the eggs. Ascaris infection is generally found in
places with poor sanitation. Once humans pass the eggs the eggs contaminate the
soil and can become infectious in a few weeks. Humans obtain the infection with
accidental ingestion of the infectious eggs. The larvae are carried through the lungs
and then to the throat. The eggs will hatch once they reach the small intestine.
The eggs then develop into adult worms that continue to lay eggs that are then
passed through the feces. The cycle takes about two to three months. (1,3,5)
http://www.austincc.edu/microbio/2704x/al.htm

life cycle
Adult worms live in the lumen of the small intestine. A female may produce up to
240,000 eggs per day, which are passed with the feces . Fertile eggs embryonate
and become infective after 18 days to several weeks , depending on the
environmental conditions (optimum: moist, warm, shaded soil). After infective eggs
are swallowed , the larvae hatch , invade the intestinal mucosa, and are carried via
the portal, then systemic circulation to the lungs . The larvae mature further in the
lungs (10-14 days), penetrate the alveolar walls, ascend the bronchial tree to the
throat, and are swallowed . Upon reaching the small intestine, they develop into
adult worms . Between 2 and 3 months are required from ingestion of the infective
eggs to oviposition by the adult female. Adult worms can live 1 to 2 years.
https://www.msu.edu/course/zol/316/alumgut.htm

Physical Characteristics
An estimated 807-1,221 million people in the world are infected with Ascaris
lumbricoides (sometimes called just "Ascaris"). Ascaris, hookworm, and whipworm
are known as soil-transmitted helminths (parasitic worms). Together, they account
for a major burden of disease worldwide. Ascariasis is now uncommon in the United
States.
Ascaris lives in the intestine and Ascaris eggs are passed in the feces of infected
persons. If the infected person defecates outside (near bushes, in a garden, or field)
or if the feces of an infected person are used as fertilizer, eggs are deposited on
soil. They can then mature into a form that is infective. Ascariasis is caused by
ingesting eggs. This can happen when hands or fingers that have contaminated dirt
on them are put in the mouth or by consuming vegetables or fruits that have not
been carefully cooked, washed or peeled.
People infected with Ascaris often show no symptoms. If symptoms do occur they
can be light and include abdominal discomfort. Heavy infections can cause
intestinal blockage and impair growth in children. Other symptoms such as cough
are due to migration of the worms through the body. Ascariasis is treatable with
medication prescribed by your health care provider.
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/