Capillaria hepatica in man—an overview of hepatic capillariosis and spurious infections

Abstract

Capillaria hepatica (syn. for Calodium hepaticum) is a zoonotic nematode parasitizing in the livers of rodents as main hosts and in numerous other mammals including humans. It is the causative agent of the rare conditions of hepatic capillariosis and spurious C. hepatica infections in humans. In this review, 163 reported cases of infestations with this parasite (72 reports of hepatic capillariosis, 13 serologically confirmed infestations and 78 observations of spurious infections) are summarized with an overview on the distribution, symptoms, pathology, diagnosis, serology and therapy of this rare human pathogen.

Capillaria hepatica in Rattus Spp. Captured in Sanandaj and Orally uninfected Balb/C Mice With Embryonated Eggs

“…4 In 1924, the first human infection was reported by McArthur, and after that, this infection was reported occasionally from different parts of the world. 5 Two infection types caused by C. hepatica are: spurious infection when host ingests unembryonated eggs, and true hepatic infection following the ingestion of embryonated eggs. 6 Site of true infection is liver parenchyma, where in case of human infection, symptoms such as prolonged fever, splenomegaly, acute liver inflammation, peritonitis, abdominal pain, ascites and eosinophilia may occur, and occasionally cause severe and fatal infections.…”

Capillaria hepaticainfection in black rats (Rattus rattus) on Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory

“…6 Drinking water on Diego Garcia is via rain catchment and is sanitized, thus an unlikely source of infection. However, the rat density on Diego Garcia is extremely high (up to 187/ha in some habitats [Proceedings of the 26th Vertebrate Pest Conference, 3-6 March, 2014, Kona, Hawaii]).…”

Capillaria hepatica in Wild Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Vancouver, Canada

“…Calodium hepaticum) is a parasitic nematode with a broad host range that includes at least 80 species in the rodent family Muridae (Fuehrer et al 2011). Infection has also been reported in at least 24 other mammalian families and in humans (Fuehrer et al 2011).…”

“…Calodium hepaticum) is a parasitic nematode with a broad host range that includes at least 80 species in the rodent family Muridae (Fuehrer et al 2011). Infection has also been reported in at least 24 other mammalian families and in humans (Fuehrer et al 2011). Animals become infected with C. hepatica by ingesting embryonated eggs, which hatch in the intestine, releasing larvae that migrate via the portal vein to the liver, where they develop into adults, mate, and produce eggs (Farhang-Azad 1977b).…”

“…Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and black rats (Rattus rattus) are among the most common hosts of C. hepatica, and infection appears to be endemic in rat populations around the world (Fuehrer et al 2011). Reported prevalence of infection has varied from 11% to 88% (Easterbrook et al 2007;Kataranovski et al 2010).…”