Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples
Published on: April 25, 2025
Multiple Parasitic Infestation in a Nine-month-old Patient: A Case Report
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Desio Hospital, via Mazzini 1, Desio (MB), Italy.
Insights
A nine-month-old Pakistani infant with growth retardation was diagnosed with multiple intestinal parasitic infections, including Enterobius vermicularis and Entamoeba coli. Prompt treatment with mebendazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole led to a full recovery, underscoring the need for improved hygiene in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Growth retardation in infants can be multifactorial, with parasitic infections being a significant concern in low socio-economic settings.
- Intestinal parasitic infections pose a substantial threat to child development and overall health, particularly in regions with poor sanitation.
Observation:
- A nine-month-old Pakistani female infant presented with growth retardation and was found to have concurrent infections with Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba coli, and hookworm.
- Microscopic examination of urinary and stool samples revealed parasitic ova and cysts, indicating fecal-oral contamination routes.
- The presence of mites in the urinary sample warrants further investigation into potential co-infestations or environmental exposures.
Findings:
- Microscopic analysis confirmed Enterobius vermicularis eggs, Entamoeba coli cysts, and hookworm eggs in stool samples.
- The infant received a combination therapy of mebendazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
- Post-treatment follow-up examinations at 15 and 30 days showed complete clearance of parasitic organisms.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical importance of considering polymicrobial parasitic infestations in children presenting with failure to thrive, especially in resource-limited environments.
- Effective treatment protocols can lead to successful outcomes, emphasizing the need for timely diagnosis and intervention.
- Improving sanitation and hygiene practices is paramount to preventing the high burden of parasitic infections in pediatric populations and mitigating long-term health consequences.
Abstract:
We are reporting the case of a nine-month-old Pakistani female with complaint of growth retardation who presented multiple intestinal parasitic infections. Probably because of contamination with fecal matter, the initial microscopic examination of the urinary sample revealed the presence of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis, cysts of Entamoeba coli, and an organism similar to mites. Stool samples were obtained after two weeks and microscopic investigation confirmed the presence of Enterobius vermicularis eggs, cysts of Entamoeba coli, and hookworm eggs. The patient was immediately subjected to mebendazole therapy associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, to which she responded well. Follow-up stool re-examinations performed 15 and 30 days after the treatment tested negative for all parasitic ova and cysts. This study reflects the importance of considering multiple parasitic infestations in low socio-economic populations and highlights the need of improving poor hygienic conditions to prevent such infections, in particular in children.
