Human gnathostomiasis: infection with an immature male Gnathostoma spinigerum

Gnathostomiasis, usually caused by larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum, is a significant cause of morbidity in the Far East. We report a case of gnathostomiasis involving a male Thai residing in Kuwait who presented with acute pain in the right iliac fossa. A resection of the terminal ileum and cecum was performed. Microscopic examination showed a parasite in an eosinophilic abscess. The nematode was identified as an immature male G. spinigerum based on size, morphology, and distribution of cuticular spines.