Diphyllobothrium latum: a case of an incidental finding.
Colorectal cancer screening can be performed by fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema or colonoscopy. Colonoscopy has the significant advantage that polyps can be removed during the same procedure. Occasionally, colonoscopy can also reveal unexpected findings, including parasitic infections, even in asymptomatic patients. Tapeworms or cestodes are hermaphroditic parasites, which can live for considerable periods of time in the human gastrointestinal tract. Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium species) are endemic in various parts of the world, the commonest species being Diphyllobothrium latum. Humans are the main definitive host for D. Latum and the majority of individuals harbouring the parasite are asymptomatic, while 40% of infected individuals may have low vitamin B12 levels. We describe a case of D. latum infection found on routine colonoscopic screening for colorectal cancer in an asymptomatic patient, which was successfully treated with praziquantel. The infection likely arose following raw fish (sushi) consumption.
Lal
Simon
S
Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Aintree , Longmoor Lane, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom. simon.lal@btinternet.com
Steinhart
A-Hillary
AH
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004169:Diphyllobothriasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004170:Diphyllobothrium / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005260:Female; D005396:Fish Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D012007:Rectum / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology