Ascariasis

Ascaris lumbricoides is the causative agent of ascariasis in humans. It is estimated that 1.3 billion people are infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and it has affected the world's population for centuries. Transmission occurs most commonly via hand to mouth. Children are the most heavily infected with high rates of reinfection. Infected individuals are usually asymptomatic, but it can cause a high burden of disease with prolonged, severe, and fatal outcomes in few. It can result in considerable hardship in terms of food safety, security, quality of life, and negative impacts on livelihoods.