Parasitic zoo of fasciolopsis buski, Gastrodiscoides hominis, Giardiasis intestinalis, And Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

Polyparasitism of protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis) and trematodes (Fasciolopsis buski and Gastrodiscoides hominis) is not reported. A young lady presented with bilateral pitting pedal oedema of 2 months duration. Laboratory evaluation showed microcytic anaemia, low total protein and albumin. Endoscopy and colonoscopy revealed multiple motile worms which were retrieved for species identification. She benefitted with praziquantel, albendazole, along with metronidazole, and collected stools revealed all the four parasites. Poor hygiene, consumption of undercooked food, the climatic compatibility for the parasites, swine population, and usage of faecal manures for farming maintain the endemicity. A simple use of anti-helminthic/anti-protozoal in areas of high endemicity can prevent poor outcome in these patients.