Colonic obstruction andperforation related to heavyTrichuris trichiura infestation

HeavyTrichuris trichiura infestation is rareindeveloped countries, andcomplicationsrequiring surgical intervention havebeendescribed rarelyinhuman trichuriasis. A caseofcolonic obstruction andperforation related toheavywhipworm infection isdescribed inan84year oldwoman.Thewoman wasadmitted to hospital becauseofachestinfection. Two daysafter admission shesuffered nausea andvomiting followed adaylater bybowel stoppage. Laparotomy indicated intestinal obstruction bya tumour.A partial right sidedileocolectomy was performed. Pathological examination oftheresected bowelrevealed heavyinfestation withT trichiura causing apseudotumour following a proliferative inflammatory response. (7Clin Pathol 1997;50:615-616)