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Human ectopic fascioliasis in Australia: first case reports
P Prociv1, J C Walker, M Whitby
1Department of Parasitology, University of Queensland, St Lucia.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|March 2, 1992
Summary
Migratory fascioliasis, a liver fluke infection, can manifest as localized swellings in Australia. Diagnosis may require serological tests, as traditional indicators like fecal eggs are often absent.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection caused by Fasciola liver flukes.
- Migratory ectopic fascioliasis presents as unusual tissue locations of the fluke.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to atypical presentations.
Observation:
- Two cases of migratory ectopic fascioliasis in Australia are described.
- One case involved lymphatic infection (cervical lymph node) with a mature Fasciola hepatica.
- The second case presented as a subcutaneous lesion with an immature fluke.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed Fasciola infection in both cases.
- Neither patient had Fasciola eggs in stool or detectable blood eosinophilia.
- A positive serological test aided diagnosis in one patient.
Implications:
- Migratory fascioliasis occurs in Australia and can present as focal lesions.
- Diagnosis should consider serological tests when fecal or eosinophilia markers are negative.
- This highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of Fasciola infections.