obsolete intestinal capillariasis

Obsolete Intestinal Capillariasis: A Rare but Severe Disease

Obsolete intestinal capillariasis, also known as Capillaria philippinensis infection, is a rare and potentially severe disease caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing infective stage larvae of Capillaria philippinensis [1]. This parasitic infection can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Symptoms

The symptoms of obsolete intestinal capillariasis typically include:

• Diarrhea with 4-5, and up to 8-10, watery stools

Common Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of obsolete intestinal capillariasis, also known as capillariasis, are relatively rare in modern times due to improved sanitation and hygiene practices. However, based on historical records and medical literature, the following symptoms were commonly associated with this condition:

• Abdominal pain: A feeling of discomfort or tenderness in the abdominal region was a frequent complaint among patients suffering from capillariasis [4].
• Diarrhea: Diarrheal stools were often reported by individuals infected with capillaria, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if left untreated [3].
• Weight loss: Patients with capillariasis often experienced weight loss due to malabsorption of nutrients and decreased appetite [4].

Less Common Symptoms

In some cases, patients may also experience:

• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur in response to the infection or as a result of dehydration [7].
• Fever: A high morning fever was occasionally reported by patients with capillariasis [2].

It's essential to note that these symptoms are not unique to capillariasis and can be caused by other gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis requires laboratory testing and medical evaluation.

References: [1] Not available in the context [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [7] Context 7

Diagnostic Methods for Intestinal Capillariasis

Intestinal capillariasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nematode parasite Capillaria philippinensis, can be challenging to diagnose due to its nonconstant shedding in stool and morphological similarity to other parasites. However, several diagnostic methods have been employed to identify this condition.

• Stool Examination: Stool examination is still considered the least invasive diagnostic method for intestinal capillariasis [9]. Microscopic examination of stool samples can help identify the parasite, although its nonconstant shedding in stool makes diagnosis challenging.
• Ova and Parasites Stool Test: This test involves examining a stool sample for eggs or parasites. It is a helpful diagnostic tool, but its accuracy may be limited by the nonconstant shedding of the parasite [5].
• Imaging Scans: Imaging scans of the abdomen, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, can help identify any abnormalities in the digestive tract that may be associated with intestinal capillariasis [5].
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: A FNA biopsy of the small intestine can provide a sample of intestinal cells for analysis. This method is more invasive than stool examination but can be helpful in confirming the diagnosis [5].

It's worth noting that the diagnostic methods mentioned above may not always be effective, and the difficulty in diagnosing intestinal capillariasis highlights the importance of developing more accurate diagnostic tools.

References:

[1] Sadaow, L., Sanpool, O., Intapan, P.M., Sukeepaisarnjaroen, W., Prasongdee, T.K. and Maleewong, W., 2018. A Hospital-Based Study of Intestinal Capillariasis ... [Context #1]

[5] The diagnosis of Intestinal Capillariasis is made through: ... Imaging scans of the abdomen; Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the small intestine: A smaller number of intestinal cells are taken to be analyzed ... [Context #5]

[9] Although its nonconstant shedding in stool and the similarity to other parasites in terms of morphology make C. philippinensis difficult to diagnose by stool examinations, stool examination is still the least invasive diagnostic method of intestinal capillariasis. [Context #9]

Treatment Options for Obsolete Intestinal Capillariasis

Obsolete intestinal capillariasis, also known as capillariasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Capillaria philippinensis. While this condition is relatively rare, it can be treated with various medications. Here are some of the most commonly used treatments:

• Mebendazole: This broad-spectrum benzimidazole is often used to treat capillariasis. It works by killing the parasites and relieving symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss [4][9].
• Albendazole: Although albendazole is not specifically mentioned in the context of treating capillariasis, it is effective against other types of intestinal nematode infections, including ascariasis, trichiuriasis, and hookworm infections [1]. It may also be used to treat capillariasis, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
• Other treatments: In some cases, patients with capillariasis may require additional treatment with other medications, such as antibiotics or antihelmintics. The specific treatment regimen will depend on the severity of the infection and the individual patient's needs [8].

Important Considerations

It is essential to note that capillariasis is a relatively rare condition, and treatment options may vary depending on the location and availability of healthcare resources. In some cases, patients may need to travel to specialized centers for treatment.

References

[1] Chai JY (2021) Albendazole and mebendazole: most frequently prescribed anthelmintics for intestinal nematode infections. [Context 1] [4] Uylangco CV & Cross J H (1985) An obstinate case of capillariasis treated with mebendazole. [Context 3] [9] Thakur RK (2023) Mebend

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Intestinal Capillariasis

Intestinal capillariasis, caused by the parasitic worm Capillaria philippinensis, is a rare and potentially severe disease. When diagnosing this condition, it's essential to consider other intestinal parasites that may present similar symptoms.

• Echinostomiasis: This parasitic infection, caused by the Echinostoma species, can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anorexia, similar to intestinal capillariasis. [3]
• Anisakiasis: Infections with the Anisakis parasite can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, which may be mistaken for intestinal capillariasis. [6]
• Taeniasis: This parasitic infection, caused by the Taenia species, can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, similar to intestinal capillariasis. [9]

Key Considerations

When diagnosing obsolete intestinal capillariasis, it's crucial to consider these differential diagnoses and rule out other parasitic infections that may present similar symptoms.

References:

• [3] Clinical symptoms of echinostomiasis include abdominal pain, violent watery diarrhea, and anorexia.
• [6] Successful treatment of anisakiasis with albendazole 400 mg PO bid x 3-5d has been reported, but diagnosis was presumptive (DA Moore et al, Lancet 2002; 360:54; ...
• [9] Paragonimiasis, heterophyidiasis, echinostomiasis, taeniasis, and intestinal capillariasis are all present in the Philippines (Belizario et al.