As we embark on the last few days of Hannukah, End the Neglect would like to take a look back on how we celebrated Hannukah in 2009. For each of the seven nights of the holiday, we spotlighted the seven most common NTDs – ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and trachoma. Click here and take a look back at 2009′s Hannukah celebration!
When we think of parasites, we often think of tiny–even microscopic–organisms. But ascariasis, also known as roundworm, is not only the most common NTD but also the largest in size. Ascaris lumbricoides worms can reach 5-14 inches in length, causing immense damage: intestinal obstruction, anemia, and impairment of child growth and development.
Having trouble visualizing what a host of 14-inch worms looks like? Take this tiny girl from Paraguay, infected with a particularly heavy load of ascariasis:
As you can see, her abdomen is grossly distended–the tell-tale sign of a major worm infection. In many severe cases like hers, you can even physically palpate the worms on the outside of the abdomen.
But what’s even more shocking is to see the worms themselves. These are the actual worms that were expelled from her body:
When you see a worm burden of this magnitude, it’s not hard to understand why kids who have worm infections are stunted and malnourished and perform less well in school.
More about ascariasis:
» Read more: Night 1: Ascariasis
© 2012 End the Neglect · Proudly powered by WordPress & Green Park 2 by Cordobo.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional | Valid CSS 3
