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Intestinal capillariasis: report of a case
Taiwan Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
|June 1, 1989
Summary
This case report details the first documented instance of Capillaria philippinensis infection in Taiwan. Early diagnosis and mebendazole treatment successfully resolved the severe parasitic disease in a patient presenting with chronic diarrhea and malabsorption.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Capillaria philippinensis infection is a severe helminthic disease causing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
- The infection has significant mortality and requires early diagnosis for effective management.
- This report marks the first documented case of Capillaria philippinensis in Taiwan.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old woman presented with a year-long history of epigastric pain, watery diarrhea, edema, and weight loss.
- Symptoms included borborygmus, frequent loose stools, and weakness, indicative of a malabsorption syndrome.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by detecting Capillaria philippinensis ova, larvae, and adult worms in stool samples.
Findings:
- The patient was treated with mebendazole (200mg twice daily for 20 days).
- Capillaria ova were eradicated by the third day of treatment.
- Clinical and laboratory findings normalized within two months, except for mild anemia.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Capillaria philippinensis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained chronic diarrhea and malabsorption syndromes.
- Effective treatment with mebendazole can lead to complete recovery.
- Further surveillance is needed to understand the epidemiology of this parasite in Taiwan.