A case of human breast sparganosis diagnosed as Spirometra Type I by molecular analysis in Japan

Parasitol Int. 2021 Oct:84:102383. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102383. Epub 2021 May 25.

Abstract

A 92-year-old Japanese woman presented with a mass in the left breast, and sparganosis was suspected by biopsy of the mass. The mass disappeared once, but it reappeared at the same site one year later. For a definitive diagnosis, the mass was surgically removed, and a sparganum-like worm was detected. The causative agent was confirmed as Spirometra Type I (most probably Spirometra mansoni) by mitochondrial DNA analysis. The serological examination also proved the case as sparganosis. Considering the presence of two Spirometra species (Type I and II) in Asia, particularly Japan, molecular analysis of the causative agents is highly recommended to understand the epidemiology, infection sources, and pathogenicity in humans in both species, if the parasite specimens are available.

Keywords: Breast sparganosis; Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene; Japan; Molecular analysis; Spirometra Type I; Spirometra mansoni.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Breast Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Breast Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Diseases / parasitology
  • Breast Diseases / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Mammary Glands, Human / diagnostic imaging
  • Mammary Glands, Human / parasitology*
  • Mammary Glands, Human / pathology
  • Sparganosis / diagnosis*
  • Sparganosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Sparganosis / parasitology
  • Sparganum / isolation & purification
  • Spirometra / isolation & purification*