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Human pentastomiasis: a case report.
J C B Dakubo1, V K Etwire, R Kumoji
1Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra. jdakubo@yahoo.com
West African Journal of Medicine
|August 22, 2006
Summary
A farmer was diagnosed with human pentastomiasis after surgery for intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis revealed Armillifer armillatus larvae in his omentum and small intestine, with the patient recovering well post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Human pentastomiasis is a rare parasitic infection caused by tongue worms (Pentastomida).
- Armillifer armillatus is an African pentastomid species known to infect humans, often asymptomatically.
- Diagnosis typically occurs post-mortem or incidentally during surgery for other conditions.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old farmer presented with a mechanical small intestinal obstruction.
- During laparotomy for adhesions, encysted parasites and granulomas were incidentally discovered in the omentum and subserosal layer of the small intestine.
- Parasitic larvae were identified as Armillifer armillatus.
Findings:
- The patient had human pentastomiasis (pentastomiasis) caused by Armillifer armillatus larvae.
- The parasitic infection was an incidental finding during surgery for intestinal obstruction.
- Microscopic examination revealed encysted larvae and degenerative granulomas.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare parasitic infections in differential diagnoses, even when presenting with common surgical conditions.
- Accidental intraoperative findings of parasites necessitate accurate identification and management.
- Further research into the prevalence and clinical manifestations of human pentastomiasis in endemic and non-endemic regions is warranted.
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