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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
Abstract:
Gastrodiscoides hominis is a large fluke of pig and human and constitutes an important parasite of human in Assam, Indian, the Philippines and Southeast Asia. This parasite has not been reported in Nigeria and possibly other parts of Africa. This is a case report of a seven year old Nigerian child who presented with features of malnutrition and anaemia and was found to have Gastrodiscoides hominis and Ascaris lumbricoides. Following clearance of the worms there was tremendous improvement of the health status of the child. The detailed epidemiology of this parasite still remains to be studied in this environment.
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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