Ascaris worms can block human intestines

Ascaris lumbricoides, a common roundworm, can severely impact the digestive system by blocking intestinal passages. These worms, resembling earthworms and growing up to 35 centimeters long, infect people after eggs are ingested through contaminated food or water. In heavy infestations, hundreds or even thousands of worms can form a tangled mass, obstructing food and waste flow. This leads to symptoms like abdominal pain and malnutrition, especially in children, affecting their growth and development. This neglected tropical disease impacts up to a billion people globally, primarily in regions with poor sanitation. Treatment with antiparasitic drugs is effective, but extreme blockages may require surgery.