ABSTRACT
We report a case of eosinophilic meningitis associated with the ingestion of raw fish (Cichla sp.) from the Brazilian Amazon, likely caused by Gnathostoma. A 36-year-old male visited Juruena river on a fishing trip. After 50 days, the patient presented with an intense frontal headache. A cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed 63% eosinophilia. Another individual who ingested raw fish developed linear dermatitis on the abdominal wall. Anti-Gnathostoma serum antibodies were detected, and the patient made a full recovery after treatment with corticosteroids and albendazole. To date, autochthonous Gnathostoma spp. infections in Latin American countries have only caused linear panniculitis. This report raises awareness of gnathostomiasis-causing meningitis.
Subject(s)
Gnathostomiasis , Meningitis , Animals , Male , Humans , Adult , Gnathostomiasis/diagnosis , Gnathostomiasis/drug therapy , Brazil , Meningitis/diagnosis , Meningitis/drug therapy , Albendazole/therapeutic use , EatingSubject(s)
Gnathostoma , Gnathostomiasis , Animals , Humans , Larva , Gnathostomiasis/diagnosis , Gnathostomiasis/drug therapyABSTRACT
Abstract Gnathostomiasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the helminth Gnathostoma spp., acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated aquatic animals.The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia and Central America. Two male patients, both middle-aged, presented with single itchy erythemato-edematous plaques on the anterior thorax and left flank. Both had consumed raw fish in the Amazon region. The clinical and epidemiological examinations suggested gnathostomiasis, and treatment with albendazole caused total regression of the lesions. Health teams should be familiar with the disease to provide correct diagnosis. The control strategy should be based on health education for the population.
Subject(s)
Humans , Animals , Male , Gnathostomiasis/diagnosis , Gnathostomiasis/drug therapy , Gnathostoma , Brazil , Zoonoses , Fresh Water , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Gnathostomiasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the helminth Gnathostoma spp., acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated aquatic animals.The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia and Central America. Two male patients, both middle-aged, presented with single itchy erythemato-edematous plaques on the anterior thorax and left flank. Both had consumed raw fish in the Amazon region. The clinical and epidemiological examinations suggested gnathostomiasis, and treatment with albendazole caused total regression of the lesions. Health teams should be familiar with the disease to provide correct diagnosis. The control strategy should be based on health education for the population.
Subject(s)
Gnathostoma , Gnathostomiasis , Animals , Brazil , Fresh Water , Gnathostomiasis/diagnosis , Gnathostomiasis/drug therapy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , ZoonosesSubject(s)
Cheek/parasitology , Gnathostomiasis/diagnosis , Travel-Related Illness , Adult , Albendazole/therapeutic use , Colombia , Female , Gnathostomiasis/drug therapy , Gnathostomiasis/etiology , Humans , Israel , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Raw Foods/adverse effects , Recurrence , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This case report describes the second reported case of gnathostomiasis acquired in Brazil. The French traveller returned from a sport fishing trip from Tocantins where he was repeatedly consuming raw freshwater fish marinated with lemon juice. Gnathostoma infection was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, dietary record and by detection of specific antibodies in the blood.