Ascaridíase ectópica

Abstract

Intestinal parasites are among the most common pathogens found in humans and Ascaris lumbricoides, the etiological agent of ascariasis, is one of the enteroparasites that has high worldwide prevalence. Ascaris lumbricoides is transmitted by the fecaloral route and its occurrence is associated to poor sanitary conditions. Typically, the disease is asymptomatic and the severity is related to parasite load. The small intestine of man is the natural habitat of Ascaris, but under adverse conditions such as hiperparasitism or when any irritating factor acts on the worm, it can reach locations as liver, pancreas, gallbladder, lungs, ears, nostrils, urethra and other. Complications that may arise from the ectopic migration are serious and can cause death of the individual. Routine diagnosis of ascariasis is done through fecal examinations for detection of eggs, but in cases ectopic migration, imaging tests allow the identification and set the amount and anatomical position of the parasites. The treatment involves the administration of anthelmintics, associated to surgery or endoscopy for extraction off the "erratic ascaris". A description of cases of ectopic ascariasis, as well as a review about this disease, are reported in this work.