An unusual cause of chronic diarrhoea
M Deesomsak1, K Sawanyawisuth2, V Prachayakul1
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
We report a patient presenting with chronic diarrhoea of unidentified etiology. Laboratory results showed microcytic anemia, peripheral eosinophilia with negative results of stool sample smears and stool concentration technique. Ancylostoma duodenale was found in the caecum and terminal ileum during colonoscopy. The patient was treated with a 3-day course of 400 mg albendazole and iron supplement. The diarrhoea disappeared shortly after treatment. Physicians particularly in tropical areas should be aware of hookworms as causative agents of chronic diarrhoea and it may be found in the large intestine.
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