A new concentration of human intestinal capillariasis on western Luzon
Tidball, J.S.; Aguas, J.P.; Aldis, J.W.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 9(1): 33-40
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 705414 Document Number: 126060
A new concentration of 32 cases of human intestinal capillariasis [Capillaris philippinensis] is described. This subepidemic occurred in western Luzon, Philippines, 120 km from the nearest previously reported cases. The disease was locally acquired. All but 1 patient ate raw food and all ingested the small freshwater fish Ambassis commersoni (bagsang). Although good results were obtained with a modified treatment schedule using thiabendazole, mebendazole was easier to administer, more rapid in action and no side effects were experienced. The proposed pathological life cycle is reviewed. The need for more awareness of this potentially widespread disease among the professional community is discussed.