Case of megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal taeniasis

Ann Hematol. 2004 Jul;83(7):487-8. doi: 10.1007/s00277-003-0839-2. Epub 2004 Jan 17.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Megaloblastic / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic / etiology*
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Food Parasitology
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / complications*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / transmission
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / etiology
  • Male
  • Meat / parasitology
  • Middle Aged
  • Niclosamide / therapeutic use
  • Taeniasis / complications*
  • Taeniasis / diagnosis
  • Taeniasis / drug therapy
  • Taeniasis / transmission
  • Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / etiology

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Niclosamide
  • Vitamin B 12