[An epidemiological survey on paragonimiasis in Jin Miaopu township in Shanxi province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiological factors and tendency of paragonimiasis in Jin Miaopu township in Zezhou county of Shanxi Province, and to understand the current status of public awareness for providing references to paragonimiasis education and prevention. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2172 villagers probing awareness of paragonimiasis and their experiences of eating crabs; Infection screening and antibody test were also performed by means of ELISA. RESULTS: The paragonimiasis knowledge coverage rate was zero, and 67.7% (1471/2172) of the respondents claimed their histories of crab eating and 96.7% (29/30) of crabs were infected with metacercaria of paragonimus. Of all the study subjects, 11% (241/2172) of them were infected with the positive rate of 4.1% (89/270). CONCLUSION: The incidence of paragonimiasis is closely related to dietetic habit in local residents. It is extremely necessary to increase the public awareness of paragonimiasis prevention and control and to improve the living conditions and dietetic habits.

[Clinical observation on 25 cases of severe angiostrongyliasis cantonensis].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features of severe angiostrongyliasis cantonensis (AC) patients. METHODS: Clinical data on symptoms, physical signs, auxiliary examination and prognosis of 25 severe AC patients hospitalized in June-Sept 2006 were analyzed. RESULTS: Epidemiologically, all cases had eaten uncooked fresh water snails. One of the early symptoms was fever (16 cases, 64.0%), including 8 cases with low-grade fever, 7 cases with mid-range fever, and 1 case high fever. Nervous system manifestation: (1) All cases had headache, entire headache (56.0%) or partial (44.0%), especially in occipitalis. (2) Patients had distinct degree neck rigidity, with negative pathologic reflex; 12 cases had nausea and vomiting (48.0%). (3) 20 cases (80.0%) had skin paresthesia, 5 had severe pain and hyperalgia on skin; 3 cases with skin numbness, and 2 with thermohypesthesia. (4) 11 cases (44.0%) appear distinct degree depraved vision; 3 cases had photophobia, 5 with blur vision, 1 each with diplopia, defect of field vision or bug sign, respectively. (5) Nasolabial groove became shallow and distortion of commissure in 4 cases (16.0%), and 2 cases (8.0%) couldn't close up eyelid. (6) 4 cases had sustained or curative tinnitus. Laboratory examination showed that eosinophilic granulocytes increased in both peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Skull MRI for 14 cases revealed linear enhancement in local meninx or abnormal enhancement in cerebral parenchyma. Chest CT examination in 7 cases showed nodule shadow and spot flaky ground-glass shadow in lungs. One and 3 months after being discharged from hospital, 12 patients (48.0%) still had sequelaes--7 cases had tingling sensation on skin, 1 case had temperature sensation dysfunction on the skin of chest and abdomen, 3 cases had headache occasionally, and 1 case still had defect of field vision. CONCLUSION: Central nervous system has been impaired in the angiostrongyliasis cantonensis patients who may need a longer convalescent period.

[Epidemiological analysis on 141 cases of angiostrongyliasis cantonensis in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To provide scientific basis for angiostrongyliasis cantonensis control and prevention in Beijing. METHODS: Descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze angiostrongyliasis cantonensis reported from June to September in 2006. RESULTS: 141 cases were treated at the Beijing Friendship Hospital with the peak in July (61 cases) and August (68 cases). All patients had dined at the same restaurant in Beijing city and they ate undercooked Pomacea canaliculata or related eatables. The source of Pomacea canaliculata was from Guilin in Guangxi. Major manifestations would include fever (56.79%), headache (93.83%), neck stiffness (100%), and skin paresthesia (77.78%). Some cases had significant eosinophil increase in peripheral blood picture and cerebrospinal fluid respectively. CONCLUSION: The source of infection related to angiostrongyliasis cantonensis was clear, suggesting that the improvement of restaurant sanitation and on awareness of personal hygiene were important preventive and control measures on angiostrongyliasis cantonensis.