As the Worm Turns: A Globally Prevalent Cause of Chronic Diarrhea

Excerpt

A 54-year-old male was evaluated in the outpatient clinic for the complaint of chronic diarrhea. His past medical history included Helicobacter pylori infection, which was treated with triple therapy by his primary care physician, with eradication confirmed. He had no surgical history. The patient reported that he had been having about 2-3 loose bowel movements per day for 1 year; prior to that, he had had 1 solid bowel movement per day. The diarrhea was associated with intermittent, generalized abdominal discomfort that improved after a bowel movement. He also complained of abdominal bloating and excessive flatulence. He had migrated to the USA from Vietnam 5 months previously, although his symptoms had started I year previously while he was still in Vietnam. His wife was experiencing similar symptoms. Social and family histories were unremarkable. He was not using any medications including NSAIDs. His vital signs were normal on admission, and physical examination was unremarkable, including that of the abdomen. …