CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN ASCARIASIS
Objective: This study analyzes the epidemiological structure and clinical features of ascariasis incidence in the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation, from 2000 to 2024. Methods: Final diagnoses were established based on epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, patient complaints, and detection of helminth eggs by microscopic examination of fecal material. Results: During the study period, 485 cases of human ascariasis were registered in the Astrakhan region, accounting for 60.0±0.0% of the region's total geohelminthiasis burden. Urban cases in Astrakhan accounted for 38.8±0.1% (n=188) of the total. In comparison, rural districts of the Astrakhan region accounted for 61.2±0.0% (n=297), demonstrating a significantly higher incidence rate in rural areas. Clinical analysis revealed that 95.5±0.0% (n=463) of patients presented with various symptoms indicative of helminthic infestation. The remaining 4.5±0.4% (n=22) of cases were asymptomatic. Conclusion: The predominant clinical symptoms included epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Agricultural practices, specifically the use of untreated wastewater and sewage sludge as organic fertilizers in commercial, collective, and private farming, remain major potential drivers of population infection. Keywords: Ascariasis, soil, parasitic contamination, abdominal pain, personal hygiene, fecal egg count, parasite larvae.