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mesocestoidiasis

ICD-10 Codes

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Description

Mesocestoidiasis: A Rare Tapeworm Infection

Mesocestoidiasis is a rare parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm genus Mesocestoides. This type of infection is typically found in carnivores, such as dogs and cats, but can occasionally infect humans.

  • Transmission: The larvae or cysticercoid stage of the tapeworm develop in invertebrates, such as snails and slugs [1]. Humans can become infected through accidental ingestion of these contaminated intermediate hosts.
  • Symptoms: Mesocestoidiasis is often asymptomatic in humans, but may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, if the infection becomes severe [2].
  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis of mesocestoidiasis can be challenging and typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests (such as stool examination), and imaging studies (like CT or MRI scans) to confirm the presence of the tapeworm in the body [3].

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing mesocestoidiasis is crucial, especially for individuals who work with animals or engage in outdoor activities where they may come into contact with contaminated intermediate hosts. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications, such as praziquantel or albendazole, to eliminate the tapeworm from the body [4].

References

[1] Mesocestoides spp. are considered parasites of wild and domestic carnivores although these tapeworms have occasionally being reported in birds and humans as intermediate hosts (Source: 2)

[2] Human infections with Mesocestoides spp. are rare, but may cause gastrointestinal symptoms if the infection becomes severe (Source: 3)

[3] Diagnosis of mesocestoidiasis can be challenging and typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to confirm the presence of the tapeworm in the body (Source: 4)

[4] Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications, such as praziquantel or albendazole, to eliminate the tapeworm from the body (Source: 5)

Additional Characteristics

  • albendazole
  • praziquantel
  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea
  • weight loss
  • Mesocestoides spp.
  • tapeworm
  • parasitic infection
  • carnivores
  • dogs
  • cats
  • snails
  • slugs
  • gastrointestinal symptoms
  • antiparasitic medications

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms of Mesocestoidiasis

Mesocestoidiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm Mesocestoides spp., can manifest in various ways depending on the severity and location of the infestation. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Non-specific, recurrent gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, anorexia (loss of appetite), depression, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are often reported [2].
  • Low Numbers of Worms: Infections typically involve low numbers of worms, which may not cause significant symptoms in the early stages [1].
  • High Numbers of Cestodes: However, high numbers of cestodes can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction, a life-threatening condition where the intestines become blocked [3].
  • Nutrient Competition: The parasite competes with its host for essential nutrients, further exacerbating the symptoms [3].

Clinical Signs

In more severe cases, clinical signs such as:

  • Coughing and dyspnea (difficulty breathing) may be observed in canine peritoneal larval cestodiasis (CPLC), a rare infestation of wild and domestic carnivores [5].
  • Episodic anorexia, vomiting, and depression have been reported in dogs with Mesocestoides infections [8].

Other Signs

Additionally, other signs such as lymphopenia (low white blood cell count) may be present in some cases [8]. It is essential to note that most heartworm infestations are asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [5] Context result 5 [8] Context result 8

Additional Symptoms

  • Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Low Numbers of Worms
  • High Numbers of Cestodes
  • Nutrient Competition
  • Episodic anorexia, vomiting, and depression
  • lymphopenia
  • dyspnea

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Mesocestoidiasis

Mesocestoidiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm Mesocestoides spp., can be challenging to diagnose due to its complex life cycle and varied clinical presentation. However

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Histopathology
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
  • Serology (ELISA)

Treatment

Treatment Options for Mesocestoidiasis

Mesocestoidiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm Mesocestoides corti, can be effectively treated with various medications. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the parasite from the body.

  • Fenbendazole: This medication has been reported to control larval stages of the parasite in cases of abdominal infection (1). Treatment involves administering fenbendazole for up to 8 weeks.
  • Praziquantel: Oral praziquantel is considered the drug of choice for adult tapeworms, including M. corti (5). Subcutaneous administration of praziquantel given two weeks apart has also been effective.
  • Mebendazole and Levamisole: A combination treatment involving mebendazole and levamisole was found to be more effective than using either medication alone (4).
  • Fenbendazole and Praziquantel: Administration of fenbendazole and praziquantel at different doses and frequency has been reported in most cases to reduce the infection (6).

Important Considerations

It is essential to note that treatment protocols may vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. In some cases, a combination of medications may be necessary to achieve effective results.

References: (1) [Context 1] (2) [Context 2] (3) [Context 3] (4) [Context 4] (5) [Context 5] (6) [Context 6]

Recommended Medications

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Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis of Mesocestoidiasis

Mesocestoidiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Mesocestoides spp., can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for mesocestoidiasis includes:

  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in blood chemistry.
  • Peritonitis: Inflammation of the lining surrounding the abdominal organs, which can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
  • Vacuolar hepatopathy: A condition characterized by liver damage and scarring, leading to an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly).
  • Nodular hyperplasia: A benign growth on the liver surface.
  • Hepatic adenoma: A rare, non-cancerous tumor of the liver.
  • Spirometra spp. infection: Infection with another type of tapeworm that can cause similar symptoms to mesocestoidiasis.

Diagnostic Methods

Diagnosis of mesocestoidiasis is typically made through:

  • Microscopic examination: Detection of eggs or proglottids (segments of the tapeworm) in fecal samples.
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A molecular test that can detect DNA from the Mesocestoides spp. parasite.

References

  1. Canine peritoneal larval cestodiasis is an uncommon, likely underdiagnosed condition and numerous questions still remain regarding the diagnosis and therapy of this disease [4].
  2. Differential diagnoses for the midabdominal mass include mesocestoidiasis among other conditions [5].
  3. The differential diagnosis for hepatomegaly and hepatic mass includes vacuolar hepatopathy, nodular hyperplasia, hepatic adenoma, and less likely, mesocestoidiasis [6].

Additional Differential Diagnoses

Additional Information

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A parasitic helminthiasis infectious disease that involves parasitic cestode infection caused by Mesocestoides lineatus resulting in nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting.
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