Human intestinal capillariasis (Capillaria philippinensis) in Taiwan.
Capillaria philippinensis was first reported in 1963 in the Philippines. Major outbreaks have occurred in the Philippines and Thailand. This article reviews the known 30 intestinal capillariasis cases in Taiwan from January 1983 to December 2003. The infected cases were diagnosed each year with the exception of 1984 and 2002, making Taiwan a Capillaria-prevalent area. Two Taiwanese aboriginal tribes, the Ami and Paiwan, presented a high prevalence. The males and elderly also had a high infection rate. Nine cases were diagnosed by histopathological biopsied specimens. About half of the 30 cases denied having consumed raw or undercooked fish. All cases recovered to health after receiving medication, with no deaths or recurrences.
Lu
Li-Hua
LH
Department of Emergency Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, Taiwan.
Lin
Mau-Roung
MR
Choi
Wai-Mau
WM
Hwang
Kao-Pin
KP
Hsu
Yung-Hsiang
YH
Bair
Ming-Jong
MJ
Liu
Jean-Dean
JD
Wang
Tsang-En
TE
Liu
Tsang-Pai
TP
Chung
Wen-Cheng
WC