Ascariasis: first-line pharmacologic treatment includes which of the following?

Ascariasis: first-line pharmacologic treatment includes which of the following?

• A. Praziquantel monotherapy.
• B. Mebendazole and Albendazole; Pyrantel if pregnant; treat the whole family.
• C. Penicillin.
• D. Metronidazole.

Answer: (B)

For ascariasis, the mainstay treatment is a benzimidazole anthelmintic such as albendazole or mebendazole. These drugs disrupt the parasite’s energy metabolism by inhibiting microtubule function in the worm, which effectively kills Ascaris lumbricoides and has high cure rates with good safety across ages. In pregnancy, pyrantel pamoate is considered safe and can be used as an alternative. Because transmission often occurs within households, treating all susceptible family members helps prevent reinfection and further spread. Praziquantel is targeted more toward tapeworms and flukes, not Ascaris; penicillin and metronidazole are not effective against nematodes.

For ascariasis, the mainstay treatment is a benzimidazole anthelmintic such as albendazole or mebendazole. These drugs disrupt the parasite’s energy metabolism by inhibiting microtubule function in the worm, which effectively kills Ascaris lumbricoides and has high cure rates with good safety across ages. In pregnancy, pyrantel pamoate is considered safe and can be used as an alternative. Because transmission often occurs within households, treating all susceptible family members helps prevent reinfection and further spread. Praziquantel is targeted more toward tapeworms and flukes, not Ascaris; penicillin and metronidazole are not effective against nematodes.