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Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense infection linked to chilled salmon consumption
Taro Shimizu1, Kensuke Kinoshita, Yasuharu Tokuda
1Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States. shimizutaro7@gmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|June 6, 2012
Summary
A man experienced diarrhea and abdominal pain, later passing a tapeworm. DNA analysis confirmed Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense, likely from eating raw salmon, successfully treated with praziquantel.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense is a tapeworm that can infect humans, primarily through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish.
- Human infection with Diphyllobothrium species can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old Japanese male presented with acute watery diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
- He subsequently passed a 1-meter-long tape-shaped object from his anus.
- Stool examination revealed characteristic Diphyllobothrium eggs.
Findings:
- DNA analysis of expelled proglottids confirmed the species as Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense.
- The patient reported a history of consuming chilled salmon.
- Treatment with oral praziquantel resulted in complete resolution of symptoms within 24 hours.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal distress, especially in regions where raw fish consumption is prevalent.
- Accurate species identification through DNA analysis is crucial for understanding parasite distribution and transmission.
- Praziquantel remains an effective treatment for diphyllobothriasis, offering a safe and well-tolerated therapeutic option.
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