Diphyllobothriasis and sparganosis
Update:
Infections with various species of broad tapeworms are being increasingly recognized as fresh or frozen fish are being transported around the world for consumption in sushi and sashimi.
Diphyllobothriasis—procercoid larvae of Diphyllobothrium latum develop in the gut of people infected by eating undercooked fish. Adult worms cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms and urticaria, and compete with the host for vitamin B12, occasionally leading to pernicious anaemia. Diagnosis is by finding characteristic ova in the stool. Treatment is with niclosamide or praziquantel.
Sparganosis—infection by animal Spirometra spp. is by ingestion of water containing infected crustaceans or uncooked meat (frog, snake, poultry, pork). The worm migrates through tissues, often presenting as a lump in subcutaneous tissue or muscle, and more notably in the brain (typically leading to presentation with epilepsy). Diagnosis and treatment is by surgical excision.
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