- A heavy infestation of Ascaris lumbricoides can lead to the accumulation of numerous worms in the intestinal lumen, causing mechanical intestinal obstruction.
- This is particularly common in children and may present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and visible worms in vomitus or stools.
- The obstruction is usually located in the small intestine and can progress to complications like bowel necrosis if untreated.
- Other complications such as portal hypertension, acute pancreatitis, or pericarditis are not commonly associated directly with Ascaris infection.
- Hence, the primary recognized complication is intestinal obstruction.

Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 24th Edition, Chapter: Gastrointestinal Infections, Page 624.