oesophagostomiasis

Oesophagostomiasis: A Zoonotic Parasitic Disease

Oesophagostomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the nematode worms of the genus Oesophagostomum. This disease affects various hosts, including humans, goats, pigs, and non-human primates.

Causes and Transmission

The disease is caused by the infection with nematodes belonging to the genus Oesophagostomum. The transmission of oesophagostomiasis occurs through the ingestion of contaminated feces or soil that contains the eggs of the parasite [1][2]. Common livestock such as sheep, goats, and swine are the usual definitive hosts for Oesophagostomum spp., but other animals, including humans and cattle, may also serve as definitive hosts [3].

Symptoms and Clinical Signs

The symptoms of oesophagostomiasis in humans include general unthriftiness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the disease can cause granulomas to form in the submucosa and tunica muscularis of the large intestine, leading to intestinal obstruction [9].

Prevalence and Distribution

Oesophagostomiasis is prevalent in various parts of the world, including Africa, where it is a significant public health concern. The disease has also been reported in other regions, such as Asia and Europe [4][5].

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of oesophagostomiasis is typically made through fecal examination and histopathological examination of tissue samples. Treatment involves the use of anthelmintic medications to eliminate the parasite from the body [7].

In conclusion, oesophagostomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects various hosts, including humans. The transmission of the disease occurs through the ingestion of contaminated feces or soil, and symptoms include general unthriftiness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and reduce the spread of the disease.

References:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Note: The references provided are based on the information retrieved from the search engine and may not be a comprehensive list of all relevant studies and publications.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Oesophagostomiasis

Oesophagostomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nodular worm (O. columbianum), can manifest in various ways depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Pain and discomfort: Abdominal pain, particularly in the lower right quadrant, is a common symptom [11][14].
• Fever: A low-grade fever is often present, although it can range from mild to severe [10][13].
• Nodules and tumors: Heavily infected individuals may develop nodules or tumors on their abdominal organs, which can be painful and tender to the touch [2][8].
• Diarrhea and gastrointestinal disturbances: Severe cases of oesophagostomiasis can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, and even death [3][6][9].
• Anorexia and wasting: Infected individuals may experience a significant decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss and emaciation [7][8].
• Abdominal tenderness and swelling: The affected area may become tender and swollen, which can be mistaken for other conditions such as hernia or intestinal obstruction [10].

It's essential to note that the symptoms of oesophagostomiasis can vary widely among individuals, making diagnosis challenging. In some cases, the condition may mimic other gastrointestinal disorders, further complicating diagnosis.

References:

[1] Clinical signs and symptoms of oesophagostomiasis [2] Lesions caused by Oesophagostomum spp. [3] Heavy infections causing clinical signs of general unthriftiness [4] Symptoms of oesophagostomiasis affecting the intestine [5] Signs and symptoms of oesophagostomiasis [6] Severe disease: lethargy, weight loss, damage and inflammation of the gut [7] Clinical symptoms of minor infections vs. heavy infections [8] Anorexia, emaciation, and gastrointestinal disturbances [9] Multinodular disease characterized by abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and mucous diarrhea [10] Common symptoms: low-grade fever, tenderness in the lower-right quadrant, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea [11] Signs and Symptoms of Oesophagostomiasis [12] Uncharacteristic symptoms range from fever and mild abdominal pain to an acute abdomen [13] Variable clinical presentation and misdiagnosis is frequent even with special experience [14] Symptoms of oesophagostomiasis affecting the intestine are uncharacteristic and range from fever and mild abdominal pain to an acute abdomen

Diagnostic Tests for Oesophagostomiasis

Oesophagostomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nematode worm Oesophagostomum, can be challenging to diagnose. However, various diagnostic tests and methods have been developed to aid in its detection.

• Surgical examination of tissue: Traditionally, a definitive diagnosis is made by demonstrating the presence of larval or young adult forms in nodules of the intestinal wall via surgical examination of tissue [1].
• Ultrasound investigation: Recent studies have shown that ultrasound can be used to diagnose oesophagostomiasis with high accuracy, particularly for identifying nodules and lesions in the intestinal wall [3, 14]. This non-invasive method can reduce the number of excessive invasive surgeries.
• Serological assays: Serological tests, such as ELISA, can detect antibodies against Oesophagostomum, indicating tissue invasion by the parasite [6].
• Stool culture and examination: Stool samples can be examined for eggs or larvae of the worm, although this method may not be conclusive due to the similarity of eggs with other parasites [2, 12].
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasound and X-rays, can help identify nodules and lesions in the intestinal wall [4, 13].
• PCR assay: A PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay has been developed to specifically amplify Oesophagostomum bifurcum DNA from human feces, showing high sensitivity and specificity [9].

References:

[1] Laboratory Diagnosis of Oesophagostomiasis [2] Diagnostic tests for oesophagostomiasis [3] Ultrasound diagnosis of oesophagostomiasis [4] Imaging tests for oesophagostomiasis [6] Serological assays for oesophagostomiasis [9] PCR assay for O. bifurcum DNA [12] Diagnosis of Oesophagostomiasis [13] Lesions and nodules in the large intestine [14] Accurate diagnosis of O. bifurcum infection

Differential Diagnoses of Oesophagostomiasis

Oesophagostomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Oesophagostomum, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in presentation with other conditions. The following are some of the differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the immune system, lymphoma can present with similar symptoms to oesophagostomiasis, such as abdominal pain and swelling [5].
• Coccidiosis: An intestinal infection caused by the protozoan Coccidia, coccidiosis can cause similar symptoms to oesophagostomiasis, including diarrhea and abdominal pain [5].
• Abomasal coccidiosis: A type of coccidiosis that affects the abomasum (the true stomach) of sheep, this condition has been reported in a single case study and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oesophagostomiasis [5].
• Mycobacterium bovis: A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium bovis, this condition can cause similar symptoms to oesophagostomiasis, including abdominal pain and swelling [7].
• Mesenteric lymphadenitis: An inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes, this condition can cause similar symptoms to oesophagostomiasis, including abdominal pain and swelling [7].

It is essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected oesophagostomiasis. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as ultrasound and PCR assays can help differentiate between these conditions.

References:

[5] - Coccidiosis and Abomasal coccidiosis have been reported in a sheep [5]. [7] - Mycobacterium bovis and Mesenteric lymphadenitis are differential diagnoses that should be considered [7].

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