Intestinal Obstruction from Ascariasis: Report of a case in a 4 year old child

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Résumé

Ascaris lumbricoides is an intestinal nematode of humans. The parasite has been associated with
intestinal pathology, respiratory symptoms and malnutrition in children in endemic areas. We report a
case of digestive ascariasis complicated by intestinal obstruction in a 4-year-old boy. On admission,
the symptomatology was marked by abdominal pain and vomiting in which adult of A. lumbricoides
worms were demonstrated. The biological workup identified the worm and demonstrated A.
lumbricoides eggs in the stools. Moderate anemia and metabolic acidosis were noted. An abdominal X
ray and abdominal ultrasound provided evidence of an intestinal obstruction. A single dose of 400 mg
of Albendazole tablets administered orally, combined with management of dehydration, resulted in a
favorable remission after 48 h, with cessation of vomiting, resumption of transit and regaining of
appetite. This case of ascariasis complicated by intestinal obstruction highlights the need to
systematically carry out a parasitological examination of the faeces in the presence of any digestive
disorder in persons at risk, particularly children living in rural areas in tropical zones.

Mots-clés

Geohelminthiasis ascariasis, Ascaris lumbricoides, intestinal nematode, intestinal obstruction, children