Severe pentasomide Armillifer armillatus infestation complicated by hepatic encephalopathy

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis of Armillifer armillatus infestation is usually incidental, commonly via autopsy or radiography. Affected individual are usually asymptomatic. The case presented here, however, had severe thoracic and abdominal involvement with clinical manifestations.

Aim: To report a case of heavy A. armillatus infestation in an adult female Nigerian rural dweller complicated by hepatic parenchyma damage.

Setting: Case report from semi-urban southern Nigeria, using clinical records and imaging findings.

Materials and methods: Clinical case records, including laboratory results and radiographic /computed tomography images.

Conclusion: Parenchymal damage with organ dysfunction can be seen with severe A. armillatus infestation. Thus, there is a need for regular health education regarding the risk of A. armillatus infestation for individuals who consume snake meat.