Abstract
A 61-year-old eutrophic male was diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia. A modified Schilling test suggested intestinal malabsorption unrelated to intrinsic factor deficiency. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed the presence of a Taenia tapeworm. The anemia resolved within days under therapy with niclosamide and temporary vitamin B12 supplements. The present case suggests that, in addition to other well-known parasitic agents, e.g., Diphyllobothrium latum and Giardia lamblia, Taenia infestation can also be a cause of intestinal vitamin B12 malabsorption.
MeSH terms
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Anemia, Megaloblastic / drug therapy
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Anemia, Megaloblastic / etiology*
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Animals
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Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
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Food Parasitology
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Humans
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Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / complications*
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Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / diagnosis
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Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
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Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / transmission
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Malabsorption Syndromes / etiology
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Male
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Meat / parasitology
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Middle Aged
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Niclosamide / therapeutic use
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Taeniasis / complications*
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Taeniasis / diagnosis
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Taeniasis / drug therapy
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Taeniasis / transmission
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Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use
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Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / drug therapy
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Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / etiology
Substances
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Anthelmintics
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Niclosamide
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Vitamin B 12