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[Migrating swellings from Asia: gnathostomiasis]
P J de Vries1, J M Kerst, L M Kortbeek
1Afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, onderafd. Infectieziekten, Tropische Geneeskunde & Aids, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam. p.j.devries@amc.uva.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Gnathostomiasis, a parasitic infection from Gnathostoma spinigerum, can cause facial swelling. Albendazole treatment effectively reduces recurrent swelling episodes in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Gnathostomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Gnathostoma spinigerum.
- Human infection typically occurs through consumption of undercooked fish or frog, harboring infective larvae.
- The nematode larvae migrate through subcutaneous tissues, potentially causing intermittent swellings.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with recurrent facial subcutaneous swellings after traveling to Southeast Asia.
- One patient experienced thoracic pain and pleurisy, with pronounced eosinophilia.
- Antibodies against Gnathostoma spinigerum were detected in both individuals.
Findings:
- The first patient received albendazole treatment, initially at 200 mg twice daily for three weeks, followed by a higher dose (400 mg twice daily for eight weeks) due to recurrent facial swelling.
- The higher-dose albendazole regimen successfully prevented further swelling recurrence in the first patient.
- The second patient's swellings decreased spontaneously without treatment.
Implications:
- Albendazole is an effective treatment for gnathostomiasis, reducing the recurrence of subcutaneous swellings.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as complications like central nervous system or ocular invasion can occur.
- Awareness of Gnathostoma spinigerum infection is important for individuals traveling to endemic areas like Southeast Asia.