DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Nematode infection by Capillaria philippinensis.
PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.
- Capillaria philippinensis (nematode, threadworm).
- Infection through consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked freshwater or brackish water fish and through endogenous autoinfection.
- Oral ingestion of larvae that develop into adult worms in the intestine.
- Females are 2 x 5.5 mm, males 1.5 x 4 mm long.
- Females produce eggs like larvae, some of which develop into new adults in the intestine (endogenous autoinfection).
- The eggs are excreted with faeces and embryo in the open air or in water within 1-2 weeks; then ingested by fish, in which the larva hatches and migrates into the musculature, where it grows into a larva infectious for end hosts within 3 weeks.
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Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
Occurrence in Southeast Asia and Egypt.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Diffuse abdominal pain, diarrhea, sometimes watery, voluminous diarrhea, protein loss syndrome with weight loss, cachexia and edema. Cutaneous larva migrans caused by Capillaria hepatica has been described in individual cases. Itchy papules or papulovesicles, possibly accompanied by environmental oedema, are seen at the site of entry. In addition, there are tortuous, thread-like, very itchy, strongly reddened ducts, which lengthen by 1-2 cm per day.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
- Stool microscopy: detection of eggs (36-45 x 20 µm bipolar eggs), larvae or adult worms.
- Bluteosinophilia.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
- Albendazole (Escazole): 1-2 times/day 400 mg p.o. for 10 days.
- Alternatively: Mebendazole 2 times/day 100 mg p.o. for 20 days.
- Supportive therapy.
Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.
Serious in untreated cases. In epidemic outbreaks lethality up to 5%.
ProphylaxisThis section has been translated automatically.
Avoid consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked fish.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Cross JH, Banzon T, Clarke MD, et al (1972) Studies on the experimental transmission of Capillaria philippinensis in monkeys. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 66:819
- Grencis RK, Cooper ES (1996) Enterobius, trichuris, capillaria, and hookworm including ancylostoma caninum. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 25: 579
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Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer