A Case Report from Somalia: Multispecies Intestinal Parasitism and Helicobacter pylori Coinfection in a Child from a...

Intestinal parasitic infections and Helicobacter pylori are prevalent in low-resource settings, especially in overcrowded areas with poor sanitation and limited healthcare access. These conditions are notably pronounced in internally displaced people (IDP) camps nationwide. Children in such environments are at increased risk of multiple coinfections due to environmental exposures and inadequate preventive measures. Endemic parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis nana, and Entamoeba spp. are commonly found alongside chronic bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori, which are associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and nutritional deficiencies. The shared transmission routes and risk factors of these pathogens exacerbate the disease burden, particularly in malnourished children, leading to adverse health outcomes. This report describes a six-year-old Somali girl from an IDP camp in Mogadishu who presented with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and was diagnosed with severe polyparasitism and active H. pylori infection based on laboratory investigations. She was successfully treated with a tailored multidrug regimen targeting both helminths and bacteria, resulting in clinical and parasitological recovery. The case highlights the urgent need for integrated diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational interventions in humanitarian settings. Addressing these coinfections through comprehensive strategies is crucial not only for improving individual health but also for alleviating the broader public health burden in displaced and resource-limited communities.