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Pulmonary capillariasis in a child in Iran
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|January 1, 1977
Summary
A rare helminth infection in a child caused severe asthma symptoms. Treatment with antiparasitic drugs and steroids provided rapid relief, highlighting a zoonotic parasitic disease in humans.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human infections with nematode parasites, particularly zoonotic species, can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Pulmonary involvement by helminths is uncommon but can mimic other respiratory conditions.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old boy presented with severe asthmatic symptoms, productive cough, and eosinophilia.
- Lung biopsy revealed a helminth within a granulomatous lesion, initially suggesting visceral larva migrans.
Findings:
- The helminth was identified as Capillaria (Thominx) aerophila, a nematode typically found in carnivores.
- This represents the ninth reported human case of Capillaria aerophila infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for zoonotic helminth infections to cause significant respiratory illness in humans.
- Prompt diagnosis and antiparasitic treatment (diethylcarbamazine, thiabendazole) combined with steroids are effective in managing symptoms.