dicrocoeliasis

Dicrocoeliasis: A Rare Zoonotic Disease

Dicrocoeliasis, also known as lancet fluke or small liver fluke disease, is a rare parasitic zoonosis caused by the trematode Dicrocoelium dendritic

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dicrocoeliasis

Dicrocoeliasis, a liver disease caused by the small trematode Dicrocoelium dendriticum, can manifest differently in various cases. The severity and occurrence of symptoms vary depending on the duration and magnitude of infestation.

• Mild Cases:
  • Diarrhea [3][10]
  • Bloating [3][10]
  • Dehydration [3][10]
• More Intense Infections:
  • Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) [1]
  • Liver abscesses [1]
  • Generalized gastrointestinal/abdominal distress [1]
• Rare but Possible Symptoms:
  • Nausea and vomiting [6][11]
  • Constipation or diarrhea [6][11]
  • Headache and dizziness [6][11]
  • Abdominal and epigastric pain [6][11]
  • Biliary obstruction (blockage of the bile ducts) [6][15]

It's essential to note that in most cases, especially mild ones, symptoms may be absent or nonspecific. In some instances, dicrocoeliasis can mimic hepatitis-like infections.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [3] Context result 3 [6] Context result 6 [10] Context result 10 [11] Context result 11 [15] Context result 15

Diagnostic Tests for Dicrocoeliasis

Dicrocoeliasis, a rare zoonotic disease caused by liver flukes in the genus Dicrocoelium, can be diagnosed using various tests and examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic methods used to detect this condition:

• Microscopic Identification: Eggs of the parasite can be identified in stool, duodenal, and/or bile fluid through microscopic examination [10].
• Serodiagnostic Tests: These tests, such as the microscopic agglutination test, can be useful for diagnosis, but interpretation is complicated due to cross-reaction of antibodies to many serovars [1].
• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): This test has been shown to be a more reliable method for diagnosing Dicrocoeliasis compared to the EPG (Egg Per Gram) test [8].
• Fecal or Bile Examination: Two fecal diagnostic methods have been proposed as the "gold-standard" for detecting eggs of the parasite [6].
• Post-mortem Examination: In animals, diagnosis has traditionally involved post-mortem examination of the liver to detect adult flukes.
• Complete Physical Examination and Medical History Evaluation: A thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history is also used to determine whether

Treatment Options for Dicrocoeliasis

Dicrocoeliasis, a parasitic infection caused by the lanceolate fluke (Dicrocoelium dendriticum), can be effectively treated with various anthelmintic medications. Here are some of the commonly used treatment options:

• Praziquantel: This is considered a standard treatment for dicrocoeliasis, and it has been shown to be effective in treating both human and animal cases [3][4].
• Triclabendazole: Another anthelmintic medication that has been tried to treat the infection, with reported success in some cases [5].
• Albendazole: This medication has also been used to treat dicrocoeliasis, although its efficacy may vary depending on the dose and duration of treatment [6][7].
• Mirazid: A capsule or oleoresin solution that has been reported to be effective against dicrocoeliasis in both humans and animals [8].

Dosage and Administration

The dosage and administration of these medications can vary depending on the specific case. For example, albendazole is typically administered at a dose of 15 mg/kg in a single administration in France [6]. In contrast, praziquantel may be prescribed at a higher dose (50 mg/kg) for efficacious dosing, as reported in one study [2].

Prognosis

The prognosis for dicrocoeliasis is generally good following treatment with anthelmintic medications. However, it's essential to note that the infection can recur if not properly treated or if the individual is re-exposed to the parasite [9].

References:

[1] Dadak AM (2013) Efficacy of praziquantel in treating dicrocoeliasis in llamas. [2] Onar E (1990) Comparison of thiophanate and albendazole efficacy against Dicrocoelium dentriticum in sheep. [3] Petermann J (2024) Treatment options for dicrocoeliosis. [4] Pal (2007, 2014) Anthelmintic treatment of dicrocoeliasis. [5] Cabeza- ... [6] Petermann J (2024) Albendazole dosing for dicrocoeliosis in France. [7] Mirazid capsule or oleoresin solution effectiveness against dicrocoeliasis. [8] Mirazid treatment of human and animal cases. [9] Prognosis for dicrocoeliasis following anthelmintic treatment.

Differential Diagnosis of Dicrocoeliasis

Dicrocoeliasis, a rare zoonotic disease caused by liver flukes in the genus Dicrocoelium, requires careful differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions that may present similar symptoms. The following are some of the primary differentials:

• Contagious ecthyma: This is a bacterial infection that can cause skin lesions and ulcers, which may be mistaken for dicrocoeliasis.
• Caseous lymphadenitis: Also known as cheesy gland disease, this is a bacterial infection that affects the lymph nodes and can cause swelling and pain in the affected area.
• Dental infections: Dental problems such as abscesses or infected teeth can cause oral pain and discomfort, which may be mistaken for dicrocoeliasis.
• Foreign bodies: The presence of a foreign object in the mouth or throat can cause discomfort and pain, similar to dicrocoeliasis.
• Trauma: Physical trauma to the mouth or throat can also cause symptoms that may be mistaken for dicrocoeliasis.

To accurately diagnose dicrocoeliasis, healthcare providers typically examine the stool, bile, or intestinal fluid for the presence of parasitic eggs. In some cases, microscopy may be used to differentiate between true and pseudo-infections [1][3][5].

It's worth noting that spurious human dicrocoeliasis can occur more frequently following consumption of liver infected with adult flukes, making it essential to collect additional specimens to distinguish this from a true infection [13].