Gastrodiscoides hominis infection in a Nigerian-case report

H O Dada-Adegbola1, C O Falade, O A Oluwatoba

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. dadaadegbola@yahoo.com

Insights

Gastrodiscoides hominis, a large fluke, was found in a Nigerian child with malnutrition and anemia. Treatment led to significant health improvement, highlighting a potential new region for this human parasite.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Gastrodiscoides hominis is a significant human parasite in Southeast Asia, but its presence in Africa is undocumented.
  • Gastrointestinal parasitic infections can cause malnutrition and anemia, particularly in children.

Observation:

  • A seven-year-old Nigerian child presented with severe malnutrition and anemia.
  • Diagnostic investigations revealed co-infection with Gastrodiscoides hominis and Ascaris lumbricoides.

Findings:

  • The patient was treated for both parasitic infections.
  • Following successful deworming, the child experienced substantial improvement in overall health status.

Implications:

  • This case report suggests Gastrodiscoides hominis may be present in Nigeria and potentially other African regions.
  • Further epidemiological studies are crucial to understand the prevalence and distribution of Gastrodiscoides hominis in Africa.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections are vital for improving child health outcomes in endemic areas.

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