How did a woman acquire the following infection? A woman who imports food from Mexico and spends several months per year in rural Mexico had to have a compound leg fracture pinned and set in Mexico and has returned 3 days later. She now has signs of acute appendicitis and is taken to surgery in Houston. When her appendix is removed, it is found to contain a light-colored, 20.5-cm long roundworm and bile-stained,\nknobby eggs consistent with Ascaris. \n
Fertilized Ascaris eggs released in feces may contaminate food or water, which is then consumed.
Ascaris does not attach to the intestine but maintains its position by mobility. The worm may
become hyper-motile (e.g., during febrile periods, anesthetic use, or antibiotic use) and may
migrate into the appendix or bile duct.
Answer Anonymously
Copy Link
