Cryptic and asymptomatic Opisthorchis felineus infections

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Feb;88(2):364-6. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0280. Epub 2012 Dec 18.

Abstract

We describe the diagnostic difficulties experienced during an opisthorchiasis outbreak. Of 31 infected individuals, 61.3% were asymptomatic, and in the 12 symptomatic individuals, the duration of non-pathognomonic symptoms was shorter than 4 weeks. Serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction fecal analysis were shown to be the most sensitive diagnostic tools.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • DNA, Helminth / genetics
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Male
  • Mebendazole / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Opisthorchiasis / diagnosis*
  • Opisthorchiasis / drug therapy
  • Opisthorchis / drug effects
  • Opisthorchis / genetics
  • Opisthorchis / isolation & purification*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • DNA, Helminth
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Praziquantel
  • Mebendazole
  • Albendazole