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Gnathostomiasis
Medical Questions » Gnathostomiasis
| Name: Gnathostomiasis |
| Also known as: |
| Parasitic infection that occurs in southeast and east Asia. |
Causes of Gnathostomiasis
Larvae of the nematode worm Gnathostoma spinigerum. Mature worms found in the gut of dogs and cats, from where larvae pass out in faeces to contaminate water where they are swallowed by water fleas. These are eaten by ducks, fish, frogs, eels etc. Eating uncooked fish or poorly cooked flesh, or applying poultices of frog flesh enables the parasite to enter humans. The larvae can complete their life cycle in humans by developing into worms in the gut, where they cause minimal symptoms, or the larvae may migrate abnormally into the brain, lungs, eye, skin, kidneys or other tissue. |
Symptoms of Gnathostomiasis
Depends on site of infestation. Pain, itch, lump and redness around affected area and a fever. |
Tests for Gnathostomiasis
No specific diagnostic test. |
Treatment for Gnathostomiasis
Medications (eg. albendazole) to kill worms and larvae usually given, but results are unsatisfactory.
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Complications of Gnathostomiasis of its treatment
Eye invasion may cause blindness, while in the brain paralysis and severe pain may occur. |
Likely Outcome of Gnathostomiasis
Depends on site involved. In the skin, red itchy lumps come and go for years. In the brain, may be fatal. |
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