Death Due to an Unrecognized Ascariasis Infestation

Abstract

Two unusual autopsy cases of fatal Ascaris infection have been presented. The first case presents lethal diffuse peritonitis due to duodenal rupture caused by the presence of parasitic Ascaris worm in gastrointestinal tract of 2.5-year-old child. The second one is a case of subacute asphyxia caused by obturation of upper respiratory tract by a large number of adult Ascaris roundworms. General economic crisis and inefficient medical service make possible spreading of almost eradicated disease, thus the possibility of the most serious complications of this helminthiasis must not be forgotten.