obsolete hepatic capillariasis

Obsolete Hepatic Capillariasis: A Rare Liver Infection

Hepatic capillariasis, also known as capillariasis of the liver, is a rare and obsolete infectious disease caused by the parasitic worm Capillaria hepatica. This condition involves the infection of the liver with this particular species of capillarid.

Key Features:

• Global Distribution: Capillaria hepatica has a worldwide distribution, being found in the livers of rodents and various other mammals. It lacks host specificity, meaning it can infect a wide range of hosts.
• Liver Involvement: In the liver, capillarids can induce mass lesions consisting of necrosis, granulomas with eosinophils, granulation tissue, and finally fibrosis. This leads to significant damage to the liver tissue.

Symptoms:

• Most patients experience symptoms such as diarrhoea with 4-5 to 8-10 watery stools per day, borborygmi (rumbling noises in the abdomen), and vague abdominal pain.
• Weight loss is also a common symptom.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis of hepatic capillariasis is usually based on clinical signs and the presence of acid-fast bacteria in tissue sections or smears. Skeletal involvement can cause deformities, but this is not a primary concern in liver infections.

References:

• The condition has been described as involving infection of the liver with Capillaria, [1].
• It lacks host specificity, having been found in various mammals, including rodents and other hosts, [4].
• Symptoms include diarrhoea, borborygmi, abdominal pain, and weight loss, [7].

Hepatic Capillariasis: A Rare Liver Disease

Hepatic capillariasis, also known as Capillaria hepatica infection, is a rare parasitic disease that affects the liver. The signs and symptoms of this condition are relatively unknown, but based on available information, here's what can be expected:

• Liver Enlargement: One of the earliest signs of hepatic capillariasis is the enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) [3].
• Abdominal Pain: Patients may experience abdominal pain, which can range from mild to severe [2].
• Fever: A persistent fever, sometimes as high as 40℃, is a common symptom of this infection [11].
• Liver Damage: The deposition of eggs in the liver parenchyma causes granuloma formation and liver necrosis, leading to liver damage [11].
• Elevated Liver Enzymes: Elevated hepatic enzymes are another sign of liver damage due to capillariasis [15].

Other Possible Symptoms

While not as common, other symptoms that may be associated with hepatic capillariasis include:

• Diarrhea: Some patients may experience diarrhea, although this is not a universal symptom [4].
• Weight Loss: Poor growth or weight loss in spite of a good appetite may be an early sign of the disease [8].

Important Note

It's essential to note that hepatic capillariasis is a rare condition, and these symptoms can also be indicative of other liver diseases. A proper diagnosis by a medical professional is necessary for accurate identification.

References:

[1] Not applicable (no relevant information found in search results)

[2] Context #2

[3] Context #3

[4] Context #4

[8] Context #8

[11] Context #11

[15] Context #15

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Hepatic Capillariasis

Obsolete hepatic capillariasis, also known as liver fluke disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the liver fluke (Capillaria hepatica). The diagnosis of this condition can be challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms. However, several diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of liver flukes in the body.

• Serological Tests: Serological tests, such as rapid screening ELISA and quantitative ELISA, are crucial for establishing a diagnosis (1, 4). These tests detect antibodies against the liver fluke in the blood, indicating an active infection.
• Liver Biopsy: The only definitive means of diagnosing liver fluke infection is by examining liver tissue through open

Treatment Options for Hepatic Capillariasis

Hepatic capillariasis, a rare infection caused by the parasite Capillaria hepatica, can be treated with various medications. While it is considered an obsolete disease in many parts of the world, there are still some treatment options available.

• Benzimidazoles: Thiabendazole, mebendazole, and albendazole are commonly used to treat hepatic capillariasis. These medications work by killing the parasites in the liver and other organs.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids may be prescribed in combination with benzimidazoles to reduce inflammation and swelling in the liver.

According to a study published in 2018, the infection can be treated mainly with a combination of benzimidazoles like thiabendazole, mebendazole, and albendazole; with corticosteroids [1].

In some cases, patients have been successfully treated using albendazole or pyrantel tartrate and corticosteroids [5]. However, it's worth noting that hepatic capillariasis is a rare infection, and treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

References:

[1] A Dubey · 2018 · Cited by 19 — The infection can be treated mainly with a combination of benzimidazoles like thiabendazole, mebendazole and albendazole; with corticosteroids. [5] Patients have been successfully treated using albendazole or pyrantel tartrate and corticosteroids (Li et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2019; Medical Letter, 2013).

Understanding Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis refers to the process of identifying and ruling out other possible causes of a particular disease or condition, in this case, hepatic capillariasis. This is an essential step in medical diagnosis, as it helps healthcare professionals to determine the most likely cause of a patient's symptoms.

Hepatic Capillariasis: A Rare Infection

Hepatic capillariasis is a rare infection caused by the parasite Capillaria hepatica. It primarily affects the liver and can be life-threatening if left untreated. The diagnosis of this condition is often challenging due to its rarity and similarity in symptoms with other diseases.

Differential Diagnosis for Hepatic Capillariasis

According to medical literature, the differential diagnosis for hepatic capillariasis includes:

• Other parasitic infections: Such as fasc