Lagoquilascaríase humana: sobre três casos encontrados nos Distrito Federal, Brasil

Abstract

Three new cases of human infection with Lagochilascaris minor are reported. All the patients were from the state of Pará (Brazil), living in rural areas or close to the forest. They were admitted to hospitals in the Federal District due to the presence of abscesses in the region of the neck, ear, mastoid process and, in two of them, to the involvement also of the central nervous system. Microscopic examination of tissue samples taken from the lesions showed sections of eggs and worms--in different evolutive stages--identified as Lagochilascaris minor. Larvae and adult worms obtained from existing fistulae proved also to be of the same species. The three patients were treated with anthelmintic drugs and surgical excision of the lesions, with good clinical results. In two of them, however, relapsing occurred, suggesting that the drugs do not destroy the worm eggs, in spite of the apparent healing of the lesions.

Lagochilascariasis leading to severe involvement of ocular globes, ears and meninges

“…However, its absence must not rule out the possibility of lagochilascariasis, as seen in this case. Involvement of the central nervous system was reported in some cases 17,20 but not the chronic and progressive orbital damage seen in this case. Weight loss, cellular and humoral immunosuppression can be observed.…”

“…Most of the cases occurred in tropical regions of Central and South America. Brazil is the leading country in the world, accounting for 75% of reported cases in humans, mainly in the Amazon region 6,14,21 , but there are cases in other parts of the country 6,9,14,16,20 . Cases have been reported in Venezuela 13,23 14 .…”

Wild Rodents as Experimental Intermediate Hosts of Lagochilascaris minor Leiper, 1909

“…Several author have claimed that the parasite probably has a wild origin (Leiper 1909) based on the fact that most of the patients with lagochilascariasis come from the lowest social-economic class, notably from rural areas (Veloso et al 1992). Patients very often live very close to woody areas and report frequent ingestion of hunted meat such as guinea pigs and agoutis (Fig.…”

A Case of Lagochilascariasis in Suriname with the Involvement of the ENT System and the Skull Base

“…Especially after treatment with anthelmintic drugs like albendazole, recurrences are frequent, maybe as a result of ineffectiveness against the eggs of the parasite. 9,[13][14][15] Resection of the mass is often performed, although the benefit is unknown.…”