Overview of hymenolepis diminuta infection among Thai patients

MedGenMed. 2004 Apr 22;6(2):7.

Abstract

Context: Hymenolepis diminuta infection is a very rare cestode infection. Until present, fewer than 500 cases have been observed worldwide.

Objective: The author performed a literature review on the reports of H diminuta in Thailand in order to summarize the characteristics of this infection among Thai patients.

Design: This study was designed as a descriptive retrospective study. A literature review of the papers concerning H diminuta infections in Thailand was performed.

Results: According to this study, there have been at least 6 reports in the literature of 10 individual cases of H diminuta infection, of which 1 case was lethal. Of 4 cases that documented patients' age, the ages ranged from 20 months to 55 years. Of 5 cases that documented patients' sex, 3 were males and 2 were females. Most (9/10) were asymptomatic; however, there was 1 inpatient case, concomitant with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Antiparasitic drugs were prescribed in 3 cases: niclosamide in 2 cases and praziquantel in 1 case. The 2 patients receiving niclosamide passed the parasites after treatment.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the H diminuta infection is a rare cestode infection that is sporadically reported in Thailand. The diagnosis of H diminuta infection is usually by accident during a field survey. The prognosis outcome is usually good, and the treatment does not appear to affect outcome, as there is good survival without treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hymenolepiasis / epidemiology*
  • Hymenolepis diminuta*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thailand