Case of megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal taeniasis.
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.
Vuylsteke
Peter
P
Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine & Center of Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, 49 Herestraat, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Bertrand
Celine
C
Verhoef
Gregor E G
GE
Vandenberghe
Peter
P
D000749:Anemia, Megaloblastic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016266:Food Parasitology; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat / Q000469:parasitology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009534:Niclosamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013622:Taeniasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000871:Anthelmintics; D009534:Niclosamide; D014805:Vitamin B 12