Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Standard Operating Procedure for Lyssavirus Surveillance of the Bat Population in Taiwan
07:55

Standard Operating Procedure for Lyssavirus Surveillance of the Bat Population in Taiwan

Published on: August 27, 2019

Human intestinal capillariasis (Capillaria philippinensis) in Taiwan

Li-Hua Lu1, Mau-Roung Lin, Wai-Mau Choi

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, Taiwan.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|May 12, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Taiwan has become a Capillaria-prevalent area, with 30 intestinal capillariasis cases reported between 1983-2003. Affected populations included aboriginal tribes, males, and the elderly, but all patients recovered with treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Capillaria philippinensis, a nematode, causes intestinal capillariasis.
  • The parasite was first identified in the Philippines in 1963, with subsequent outbreaks in the Philippines and Thailand.
  • Taiwan has documented intestinal capillariasis cases, indicating its presence in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review intestinal capillariasis cases in Taiwan from 1983 to 2003.
  • To identify demographic and epidemiological characteristics of infected individuals.
  • To understand the prevalence and patterns of Capillaria philippinensis infection in Taiwan.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 30 intestinal capillariasis cases diagnosed in Taiwan between January 1983 and December 2003.
  • Analysis of patient data, including demographics, tribal affiliation, and diagnostic methods.
  • Inclusion of histopathological findings from biopsied specimens for nine cases.

Main Results:

  • Taiwan reported 30 cases of intestinal capillariasis between 1983 and 2003, with infections occurring annually except in 1984 and 2002.
  • High prevalence was observed in two Taiwanese aboriginal tribes (Ami and Paiwan), as well as in males and the elderly.
  • Nine cases were confirmed via histopathological examination of biopsied specimens; approximately half denied consuming raw or undercooked fish.

Conclusions:

  • Taiwan is considered a Capillaria-prevalent area based on the documented cases.
  • Specific demographic groups, including aboriginal populations, males, and the elderly, are at higher risk.
  • All diagnosed cases demonstrated a favorable prognosis, achieving full recovery after medical treatment without mortality or recurrence.

More Related Videos

Superior Auto-Identification of Trypanosome Parasites by Using a Hybrid Deep-Learning Model08:20

Superior Auto-Identification of Trypanosome Parasites by Using a Hybrid Deep-Learning Model

Published on: October 27, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.
American Trypanosomiasis01:22

American Trypanosomiasis

Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a vector-borne parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a flagellated protozoan (kinetoplastid) of the family Trypanosomatidae. The disease is endemic in Latin America, although cases are increasingly reported worldwide due to human migration. Transmission most commonly occurs when feces of infected triatomine bugs contaminate bite wounds or mucosal surfaces; additional routes include congenital, transfusional, transplant-related, and oral...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...