Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonography features of proven human fascioliasis

J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2003 Aug;33(2):397-412.

Abstract

Examination of twenty parasitologically proven human cases of fascioliasis showed the following clinical, laboratory and ultrasonography results: (1) Both sexes are susceptible to fascioliasis. The smallest one was a child 3-year old. (2) The most important clinical manifestations are: a- abdominal distention and flatulence (30%), b- right upper quadrant pains (25%), colicky abdominal pains (25%), d- pallor (25%), and etympanitic abdomen (25%). Nevertheless, 15% of the patients showed no symptoms. (3) The most significant items in the CBC and liver function tests are: a- significantly high eosinophilia, b-high alkaline phosphatase, and c- low haemoglobin. Besides, two fascioliasis patients had high serum bilirubin. (4) Ultrasonography diagnosed only nine fascioliasis patients (45%). The result was critically discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Animals
  • Blood Cell Count
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eosinophilia / parasitology
  • Fasciola / growth & development*
  • Fascioliasis / blood
  • Fascioliasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Fascioliasis / parasitology
  • Fascioliasis / pathology*
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Alkaline Phosphatase