Which parasitic infection is known to potentially cause colon obstruction?

Ascariasis is caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides and is known to potentially lead to complications such as intestinal obstruction. This is particularly true in cases of heavy infection where a large number of worms can accumulate in the intestines. The presence of these worms can block the intestinal lumen, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and severe constipation.

Other parasitic infections listed do not typically result in colon obstruction. For example, giardiasis is primarily associated with diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort but does not cause obstruction of the colon. Toxoplasmosis mainly affects the central nervous system and can cause flu-like symptoms, while malaria is a blood-borne infection affecting red blood cells, without direct consequences on the gastrointestinal tract that lead to obstruction. Thus, ascariasis stands out as the infection linked with the potential for colon obstruction due to the physical presence of the parasites in the intestines.