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A North Korean soldier who defected to the South under a hail of gunfire was found to have a never-seen-before parasite growing inside his stomach.

South Korean doctors say the serviceman, believed to be a man in his 20s, has undergone two rounds of surgery after he was discovered on Monday near the demilitarized zone which separates the countries.

Local media reported the officer suffered multiple gunshots wounds as he was chased across the border with up to 40 bullets fired at him as he made his escape.

According to the Korea Biomedical Review , treatment of the man has been complicated by parasites "invading and eating into wounded areas" including one never before seen.

(Image: AFP)

(Image: AFP)

The man is reportedly in a critical condition after a bullet was removed from his abdomen.

Doctor Lee Guk-jong was quoted as saying, “We are struggling with treatment as we found a large number of parasites in the soldier’s stomach, invading and eating into the wounded areas.

"We have also discovered a parasite never seen in Koreans before.

"It is making the situation worse and causing tremendous complications."

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: AFP)

Among the parasites discovered were species of roundworms which the soldier may have contracted before he was shot, according to the Korea Biomedical Review.

The worms can become contracted in areas of poor sanitation and can lead to severe peritonitis if untreated.

Local media reported many North Koreans are likely to be infected with parasites with the longest to be discovered measuring at 27 centimetres, according to SBS News .

(Image: AFP)

The Korea Herald reported the soldier fled across the border chased by four comrades who repeatedly shot at him as they chased him.

The man was found bloodied and unarmed wearing a Korean People’s Army Uniform under a pile of leaves near the demilitarized zone, the newspaper reported.

The soldier's rank was believed to be staff sergeant, according to intelligence chiefs.

The desperate dash was reportedly captured on CCTV with plans revealed to release the footage before they were scrapped.

Yonhap news agency reported the United Nations Command reversed a move to make the video public amid concerns over "unnecessary speculation" on the escape.