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A review of human sparganosis in Thailand

Viroj Wiwanitkit1

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. wviroj@yahoo.com

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|July 19, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human sparganosis, a zoonotic infection, is sporadic in Thailand. Most cases present as superficial ocular lesions, with contaminated water being the primary risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Tropical Medicine

Background:

  • Sparganosis is a zoonotic parasitic infection occasionally seen in humans.
  • It is reported globally but is most prevalent in East Asia.
  • In Thailand, sparganosis cases are sporadic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical presentations of human sparganosis cases in Thailand.
  • To identify common risk factors associated with sparganosis in the region.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Clinical data from reported human sparganosis cases in Thailand were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-four cases of human sparganosis were identified.
  • Ocular (17 cases) and subcutaneous (10 cases) infections were most common.
  • Drinking contaminated water was the major reported risk behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Superficial ocular mass lesions are the most frequent presentation of sparganosis in Thailand.
  • Contaminated water consumption is the primary risk factor.
  • Deep visceral and central nervous system sparganosis cases, though less common, have been reported.

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