What Is the Phylum of an Ascaris?

The genus ascaris belongs to the phylum nematoda; the ascaris is the longest type of intestinal roundworm. There are two species of ascaris. One, the ascaris lumbricoides, infects humans.

Geography

Ascaris live in many regions of the world, but they are most common in tropical climates in areas with poor sanitation. In the United States, infection rates are highest in the southeast.

Size

Adult females can reach up to 35 centimeters long; males are slightly shorter, measuring between 15 and 30 centimeters long.

Features

Adult female worms can lay up to 200,000 eggs daily. The eggs are laid in feces.

Infection

To become infected, you must ingest fertilized eggs. The eggs hatch in the small intestine where the worms can live for as long as two years.

Time Frame

It takes between two and three months from ingestion to infection. Ascaris infection is called ascariasis.

Effects

Ascariasis is often asymptomatic. There are non-specific symptoms that become evident as the eggs move through the body; you may experience coughing, abdominal pain and slow weight gain. You may pass a worm in your stool.

References

• Laboratory Identification of Parasites of Public Health Concern: Ascariasis
• CDC: Ascaris Infection Fact Sheet

Resources

• Lander University: Ascaris
• Laboratory Identification of Parasites of Public Health Concern: Ascariasis Image Library