Parasites, Hosts and Diseases

The Korea Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (대한기생충학·열대의학회)
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A Human Case of Hymenolepis diminuta in a Child from Eastern Sicily

  • Patamia, Ildebrando (Laboratory Section and Microbiology Unit, University Hospital of Catania) ;
  • Cappello, Elisa (Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Parasitology Clinic, University of Catan) ;
  • Castellano-Chiodo, Donato (Paediatric Clinic, University of Catania) ;
  • Greco, Filippo (Paediatric Clinic, University of Catania) ;
  • Nigro, Luciano (Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Parasitology Clinic, University of Catan) ;
  • Cacopardo, Bruno (Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania)
  • Received : 2010.02.05
  • Accepted : 2010.04.21
  • Published : 2010.06.30
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Abstract

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H. diminuta infection. The case presented with atypical allergic manifestations which had never been reported as clinical features of symptomatic H. diminuta infection; remittent fever with abdominal pain, diffuse cutaneous itching, transient thoracic rash, and arthromyalgias. The patient was treated with a 7-day cycle of oral niclosamide, which proved to be safe and effective. This case report emphasizes that a correct parasitological diagnosis requires adequate district laboratories and trained personnel. In addition, we recommend the importance of reporting all H. diminuta infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols.

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References

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