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[Intestinal Perforation Due To Infection Of Sparganum Mansoni]
Hong Ki Min1, Sang Ho Han, Sei Ok Yoon
1Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Korea.
Abstract:
In May 1974, authors encountered a 37 year old Korean male who was suffering from very serious condition of acute abdomen. On exploratory laparotomy, a ruptured granulomatous mass in the proximal portion of the ileum showing extensive inflammatory and gangrenous changes was found and about 4 ft. long of the bowel was resected. From the honey-combed fibrous capsules in the mass, four plerocercoid larvae, spargana, measuring about 3 to 7 cm in lengths were extirpated. The patient had a past history of having eaten the raw flesh of a snake as a tonic about 7 months prior to admission. Four cases of intra-abdominal sparganosis reported previously in Korea and the present case were discussed briefly. Snakes and frogs in Korea are very important second intermediate hosts for the 1arva, Sparganum stage. It is most preferable that the habitual ingestion of the raw fleshes of them should be avoided in this country.
Insights
A case of intra-abdominal sparganosis in Korea highlights the risks of consuming raw snake flesh. This parasitic infection required surgical intervention and underscores the need to avoid raw intermediate hosts like snakes and frogs.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intra-abdominal sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Sparganum larvae.
- Consumption of raw or undercooked intermediate hosts is the primary mode of transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of intra-abdominal sparganosis in a Korean male.
- To discuss the role of snakes and frogs as intermediate hosts in Korea.
- To emphasize preventive measures against sparganosis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 37-year-old male presenting with acute abdomen.
- Exploratory laparotomy revealing a ruptured granulomatous mass in the ileum.
- Resection of affected bowel segment and extirpation of four plerocercoid larvae (spargana).
Main Results:
- A significant portion of the ileum (4 ft.) was resected due to extensive inflammatory and gangrenous changes.
- Four spargana larvae were successfully removed from the resected tissue.
- The patient reported consuming raw snake flesh seven months prior to admission.
Conclusions:
- Snakes and frogs are significant second intermediate hosts for Sparganum larvae in Korea.
- Habitual ingestion of raw snake and frog flesh should be avoided to prevent sparganosis.
- This case highlights the importance of public health education regarding parasitic infections from consuming raw animal products.