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[Intestinal parasitoses: contribution to their clinical diagnosis]
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Many symptoms are wrongly attributed to intestinal parasites. This study found only eosinophilia consistently linked to pinworm infections, while abdominal pain and diarrhea often indicate giardia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Context:
- Over-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of intestinal parasites are common.
- Diagnostic evidence is often lacking when symptoms are attributed to parasitic infections.
Purpose:
- To correlate the presence of intestinal parasites with specific signs and symptoms.
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of symptoms in identifying parasitic infections.
Summary:
- A review of 1,131 patients revealed parasites in only 384 cases.
- Eosinophilia was a consistent finding in Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infestations.
- Abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea were frequently observed in Giardia lamblia infestations.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for diagnostic evidence before treatment for suspected parasitic infections.
- Identifies key symptoms associated with specific common parasitic infections.
- Aids clinicians in differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms.