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Ascariasis epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fatimo Biobaku M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

Ascariasis is a globally occurring helminthic infection of humans.[1] It is more common in tropical areas of the world and predominantly affects the pediatric age group.[2]

Epidemiology and Demographics

Prevalence

Ascariasis occur globally and it is the most common helminthic infection of humans.[1] Ascariasis affects at least 1 billion people worldwide and about 4 million people in the United States.[2]

Age

Ascariasis occur in all age groups but it is more common in the pediatric age group (ages 2-10 years).[2]

Sex

Males and females are equally affected.

Race

Ascariasis is three times more common in African-Americans compared to Caucasians.[2]

Geographic Distribution

Ascariasis occurs worldwide although it is more common in tropical regions of the world compared to the temperate regions (the environmental conditions are optimal for the development of the ova in the soil).[1][3] The majority of people at risk for infection (71% of persons) live in Asia and the Western pacific region.[2][3] 22% of persons at risk for infection live in Africa and the Middle East, and 11% of persons at risk for infection live in Latin America.[3] In the US, the majority of the infection occur in the rural southeastern part of the country and it is often associated with poor sanitation.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kliegman, Robert; Stanton, Bonita; St. Geme, Joseph; Schor, Nina (2016). “Chapter 291:Ascariasis (Ascaris lumbricoides)”. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics Twentieth Edition. Elsevier. pp. 1733–1734. ISBN 978-1-4557-7566-8.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Ferri, Fred (2017). “Chapter:Ascariasis”. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2017. Elsevier. pp. 117–117. ISBN 978-0-3232-8048-8.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Durand, Marlene (2015). “Chapter 288:Intestinal Nematodes (Roundworms)”. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases Updated Edition, Eighth Edition. Elsevier. pp. 3199–3207. ISBN 978-1-4557-4801-3.


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