Fascioliasis in relatives of patients with Fasciola hepatica infection in Peru

Abstract

SUMMARYHigh prevalence rates of human fascioliasis have been described in several regions of Peru. We surveyed 20 families in an endemic area of Peru in order to determine the proportion of infection with F. hepatica in relatives of diagnosed subjects and in order to identify associated risk factors. The study included feces and blood samples of 93 subjects. Ages ranged from one to 53 (mean = 18.6; SD = 14.2). The overall prevalence of fascioliasis by fecal examinations was 33.3% (n = 83) and by serology, 51.9% (n = 86). The prevalence in age group I (≤ 19 years old) by coprological and serological tests was 61.4% and 75.9%, respectively; in group II (> 19 years old) 15.4% and 37.5%. The main associated risk factor with fascioliasis was eating salads (OR = 3.29, CI = 1.2 -9.0, p = 0.02). In conclusion, human fascioliasis is highly prevalent in the relatives of index cases and the most significant risk factor of acquiring fascioliasis in the family is eating salads in endemic areas.

First Report of Human Fascioliasis in an Endemic Region of Bovine Fascioliasis in Caldas-Colombia

“…The areas of this study are similar to the Bolivian Plateau, where the prevalence of the parasite in humans has been reported in more than 60% of the population (Marcos et al 2005). The Cajamarca and Mantaro Valleys, which are hypoendemic and hyperendemic, respectively (Ortiz et al 2000), are the same.…”

Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot test for the confirmatory serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis

“…In sera from patients with other helminthiasis, 137 and 160 sera were positive for the IMW and HMW bands, respectively, indicating poor specificities for these bands. Because our country is an endemic area for many helminth infections (except of Schistosoma species) (Gilman et al 1991, Marcos et al 2005, Larocque et al 2006, Romani et al 2006, Yori et al 2006, Chero et al 2007, Cleary et al 2007, we decided to use serum samples from people living in the high Andean Regions, as under these conditions of cold and dry weather, it is unlikely that Toxocara eggs have remained viable (Schantz 1989), thereby reducing the likelihood of co-infection. However, three serum samples from this group were also positive for LMW bands, suggesting concurrent Toxocara infections, since exclusion of a past or recent asymptomatic infection in these individuals was not possible.…”

“…Human helminthiasis is very frequent in various regions of Peru (Gilman et al 1991, Marcos et al 2005, Larocque et al 2006, Romani et al 2006, Yori et al 2006, Chero et al 2007, Cleary et al 2007) and cross-reactions with these parasitic infections would be enough to cause confusion in the serodiagnosis of toxocariasis. Although the lack of specificity of the ELISA test for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis can be reduced by using serum pre-absorbed with regional helminth antigens (Lynch et al 1988, Camargo et al 1992, Nunes et al 1997, we herein propose that it would be useful to confirm any positive results from the ELISA test (where pre-absorption is not carried out) using the EITB test on patients with suspected toxocariasis.…”

Two Rare Causes of Hepatitis: Fascioliasis and Brucellosis

“…Eating raw vegetables such as watercress is an important risk factor for families who may acquire the infection in endemic areas. It is recommended that patients presenting abdominal pain and low to high eosinophile levels, who have recently visited an endemic area for F. hepatica, should be investigated carefully in order to rule out fascioliasis and, the family members also should be searched (19). In the presented case, screening of three family members was done and one of the family members had fascioliasis detected by serological investigation.…”