[Human diphyllobothriasis in Patagonia, Argentina].
OBJECTIVE
In view of the amateur fishing practices and the importance of salmonids in the region the study sets out to detect human hosts in the Andean-Patagonian zone.


METHODS
Information campaigns were carried out by Clinical Analysis Laboratories of Andean Patagonia between 1986 and 1995 to detect diphyllobothriasis more efficiently by means of coproparasitological analysis.


RESULTS
Further, forms were prepared for the collection of information about infection, treatment and the characteristics of the human host. During this period 13 new cases were registered either through direct identification of the parasite or through the presence of eggs in the faeces. The characteristics of infection are similar to those described for the genus Diphyllobothrium.


CONCLUSIONS
The favourite game fish in Andean Patagonia are salmonids. This fish, often infected with plerocercoids, when eaten insufficiently cooked or cold smoked, constitutes the main source of human infection.
Semenas
L
L
Centro Regional Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Argentina. lsemenas@uncmai.edu.ar
Ubeda
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D004169:Diphyllobothriasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D004170:Diphyllobothrium / Q000166:cytology; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005393:Fish Diseases; D005398:Fisheries; D016266:Food Parasitology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012487:Salmonidae / Q000469:parasitology
Difilobotriasis humana en la Patagonia, Argentina.