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Diphyllobothriasis

Diphyllobothriasis is caused by the cestode Diphyllobothrium latum (the fish or broad tapeworm), the largest human tapeworm. Several other Diphyllobothrium species have been reported to infect humans, but less frequently. After ingestion of the infected fish, organisms develop into immature adults and then into mature adult tapeworms, which will reside in the small intestine. The adults of D. latum attach to the intestinal mucosa by means of the two bilateral groves (bothria) of their scolex . The adults can reach more than 10 m in length. Immature eggs are discharged (up to 1,000,000 eggs per day per worm). Eggs appear in the faeces 5 to 6 weeks after infection.

Occurrence: Diphyllobothriasis occurs in areas where lakes and rivers co-exist with human consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish. Such areas are found in the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, newly independent states of the former Soviet Union (NIS), North America, Asia), and in Uganda and Chile.

Manifestations: may include:
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Anaemia
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Cholecystitis or cholangitis.

Diagnosis and treatment: Microscopic identification of eggs in the stool is the basis of specific diagnosis. Treatment is available.

Vaccine: Not available.

Prevent Diphyllobothriasis by: Avoid ingestion of raw or uncooked freshwater fish