A Focus of Human Infection by Haplorchis taichui (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) in the Southern Philippines

Authors

Vicente Y. Belizario Jr., University of the Philippines Manila
Winifreda U. de Leon, University of the Philippines Manila
Mary Joan J. Bersabe, Center for Health Development for Southern Mindanao
Purnomo, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit # 2
J. Kevin Baird, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit # 2Follow
Michael J. Bangs, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit # 2Follow

Date of this Version

2004

Citation

Published in J. Parasitol. (2004) 90(5), pp. 1165–1169.

Abstract

We report an exceptionally high rate of infection by Haplorchis taichui (Nishigori, 1924) in human populations on Mindanao Island, southern Philippines. This intestinal fluke is seldom encountered, and this is the first report of high prevalence of infection (36%) in humans by H. taichui in the Philippines. The likely source of haplorchine infection has been linked to consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish containing infective metacercariae. The most common clinical symptoms appeared as upper abdominal discomfort or pain and borborygmi. Praziquantel (75 mg/kg divided in 3 doses in 1 day) was a well-tolerated and effective treatment for infection by H. taichui.