Ascaris Peritonitis in a Pediatric Patient With Typhoid Fever

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Ascariasis is a common worldwide intestinal worm infestation, typically asymptomatic or causing mild abdominal symptoms.
• Severe complications like bowel obstruction are known, but intestinal perforation due to ascariasis is exceptionally rare.
• Coinfection with other diseases can potentially alter the presentation and severity of ascariasis.

Observation:

• A seven-year-old boy presented with symptoms initially suggestive of typhoid fever.
• The patient subsequently developed peritonitis, indicating a serious intra-abdominal complication.
• Surgical intervention was required emergently due to the peritonitis.

Findings:

• The case involved a rare instance of small bowel perforation secondary to ascariasis.
• The patient had concurrent typhoid fever, raising questions about coinfection mechanisms.
• The perforation led to ascaris peritonitis, a life-threatening condition.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare complications of ascariasis, even in the presence of common infections like typhoid fever.
• Understanding the interplay between typhoid fever and ascariasis may reveal new insights into intestinal perforation.
• Effective preoperative diagnosis and perioperative management are crucial for improving outcomes in such complex pediatric surgical cases.