A Peace Corps volunteer who recently returned from rural Africa develops symptoms of liver damage and a blocked bile duct after general anesthesia for a knee replacement. What is the nature of the most likely causative agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adult Ascaris lumbricoides is a roundworm that maintains its position in the gastrointestinal tract by continual movement "upstream," not by attaching. It is noted for migration into the bile duct, gallbladder, and liver, producing severe tissue damage. This process is often exacerbated by fever, antibiotics, or anesthetics.

A Peace Corps Volunteer Who Recently Returned from Rural Africa