Ascaris lumbricoides: an unusual cause of shunt infection.

Two cases of delayed shunt infection attributable to the abdominal complications of Ascaris lumbricoides infestation are reported. The first child presented with a peritoneal shunt catheter protruding through the anus and the second patient was found to have two live worms around the cephalic shunt tubing. Both had enteric shunt infections which responded well to therapy. The epidemiology and treatment of ascariasis are briefly discussed.