MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Roundworm eggs

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Roundworm eggs - ascariasis

Roundworms are the most common type of worm infection. It is estimated that there are 4,000,000 cases in the United States at any time. Infection is more common in warm climates. Eggs are passed in the stool of infected animals and contaminate the soil. Ingestion of contaminated soil then leads to roundworm infection. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Update Date: 5/2/2006

Updated by: D. Scott Smith, MD, MSc, DTM&H, Infectious Diseases Division and Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.