A Far-Out Case of Ascariasis Causing Small Bowel Obstruction in Mauritius

Abstract

Ascaris lumbricoides ( A. lumbricoides ), the soil-transmitted helminth is the most prevalent parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract in developing countries. Heavy worm loads mainly due to untreated worm infestations are often associated with increased risk of severe sequelae. We report the first complicated case of A. lumbricoides causing small bowel obstruction in a 9-year-old boy that necessitated surgical intervention on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, where cases of Ascariasis are rarely encountered.