An Ascaris lumbricoides infection diagnosed by colonoscopy: A case report and a brief literature review

Abstract

Background: Ascaris lumbricoides is a nematode that parasitizes the human gastrointestinal tract, and it is the cause of the most common helminthic infections worldwide. It predominates in areas of poor sanitation. Early diagnosis of this intestinal infection is pivotal to avoid its severe and lethal complications such as gut obstruction, volvulus, and perforation.

Case report: A 61-year-old Caucasian female was admitted to the Operational Unit of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery with abdominal pain, in combination with nausea and vomiting for 2 months. The woman underwent a colonoscopy and surprisingly A. lumbricoides was highlighted. Diagnosis of A. lumbricoides infections is based on the microscopic detection of eggs in stool, thus, patient fecal samples collected were examined by microscopy-based methods, but no eggs were found. Previously, the patient was treated to eradicate H. pylori, using omeprazole, a common proton pump inhibitor.

Discussion: Here, we supposed that previous therapy has mitigated the parasite infection severity. In our patient was identified A. lumbricoides, although she came from a medium socio-economic status family and despite, she reported to have never travelled in tropical and subtropical areas. This report highlights the importance of the awareness of ascariasis and that its preventive measures should be included in all health education programs.

Keywords: A. Lumbricoides; Inflammatory status; Protonic inhibitor pump.