Dipylidium caninum Infection in Children: Clinical Presentation and Therapeutic Challenges

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2019 Jul;38(7):e157-e159. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002235.

Abstract

Dipilidium caninum infection is a relatively uncommon parasitic infection in children. We present 10 cases treated in our tertiary care hospital during the last 2 years. This parasitosis has a relatively benign course but should be considered in children with gastrointestinal symptoms and eosinophilia. Treatment can be challenging, especially in infancy. Preventative measures are necessary to avoid the spread of the disease.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use*
  • Cestoda / classification
  • Cestoda / drug effects
  • Cestoda / isolation & purification*
  • Cestode Infections / drug therapy*
  • Cestode Infections / pathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eosinophilia / etiology
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Female
  • Helminthiasis / drug therapy*
  • Helminthiasis / pathology*
  • Hospitals, Teaching
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / pathology*
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Therapeutics

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Praziquantel

Supplementary concepts

  • Intestinal helminthiasis