Introduction: Hepatic capillariosis, caused by Capillaria
hepatica (Calodium hepaticum) (Bancroft, 1893),
Travassos, 1915 (Nematoda, Trichinelloidea, Capillariidae), is a common zoonosis in
rodents but is rare in humans. Seventy-two cases in humans have been reported
worldwide since the first case was described by MACARTHUR in 192417,27. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Capillaria
hepatica in humans and rodents in an urban area of Porto Velho, the
capital of Rondônia, in Brazil.
Methods: After conducting a census of the area, 490 residents were
randomly selected, and, after signing a term of consent, provided blood samples that
were screened for anti-Capillaria hepatica antibodies.
Simultaneously, rats were captured to assess the prevalence of this parasite in
rodents by histopathological examination in liver sections.
Results: A prevalence of 1.8% was found among residents who had specific
antibodies at a dilution of 1:150, indicating exposure to parasite eggs; 0.8% of the
subjects also had positive titers at a dilution of 1:400, indicating true infection.
The prevalence in rats was 2%.
Conclusions: The prevalence of infection with this parasite among humans
and rats was low. While the prevalence encountered among humans was within the limits
reported in the literature, the prevalence among rodents was much lower.