Newly Discovered Rope Worm Infections: First Case Report in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

Rope worms are anaerobic worms that were discovered in 2009 during the cleansing of the colon by coffee or cleansing enemas. They are rope-like meter-long intestinal parasites and look like twisted fibres of rope attached to the intestinal wall. Thousands of people have passed the rope worms in their stool all over the world. Aim: This study aimed to find the cause of intestinal blockage by the worm passing in stool, identify them and treat the patient. Morphology: The rope worms look like a rope and slimy in nature and over a meter long. They were identified in five different developmental stages based on their morphology. Clinical Symptoms: The rope worm produces a slimy sticky substance with a distinct odour, twists like a corkscrew, and may obstruct the intestine. It may also cause abdominal pain, bloating, gases, indigestion, and constipation. Conclusion: The patients were treated several times in the area clinic with anthelminthic drugs with no improvement of symptoms. The patients were unable to pass the stool without water or milk rectal enemas.