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Death due to Ascariasis - A case report

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Case Report

Author Details : Purabi Mohanty

Volume : 2, Issue : 2, Year : 2017

Article Page : 39-41

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijfmts.2017.012

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Abstract

Ascariasis Lumbricoides (Round worm) is the largest nematode known to humans, reaching upto a length of 40 cms. Infection occurs by feco-oral route. Most of the individuals have low worm burdens and are asymptomatic, but in heavy infestation it can cause intestinal obstruction and in rare cases adult worm can obstruct common bile duct causing cholangitis or obstruct respiratory passage causing suffocation with grave consequences. We report a case, where autopsy was done on a 45 year old female who was mentally unsound and staying in a destitute home, died within hours of complaint of abdominal pain and breathlessness. Important features of autopsy were signs of Asphyxia, Jaundice and on dissection large number of adult worms were found in her stomach, oesophagus, trachea, larynx and in bile duct.
In this topic, along with case report, we discuss the life style of round worm, their clinical features and the diagnosis. We describe the possible preventive measures which includes hygienic living, community health education and provision of safe drinking water, etc. The drug treatment for round-worm infestation is also discussed in this topic.

Keywords Ascariasis Lumbricoides (Round worm), Life cycle, Intestinal obstruction, Cholangitis, suffocation, preventive measures

How to cite : Mohanty P, Death due to Ascariasis - A case report. IP Int J Forensic Med Toxicol Sci 2017;2(2):39-41

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