#case 11.
A mother brought the parasite form shown in the accompanying
figure to her 5-year-old daughter’s pediatrician. She
stated that her daughter had been complaining of an upset
stomach, had a slight fever, and was having diarrhea “a couple
of times” during the last 10 days. Last night, the child
vomited this “earthworm” into the toilet.
1. What is the probable identity of this parasite (genus and
species)?
2. What other organs are invaded during this parasite’s
life cycle?
3. What other nematode parasite might commonly be found
in patients harboring the worm recovered in this case?
4. What procedure should be performed to rule out other
infections?
5. Why did the child vomit out the helminth?