Severe pentastomiasis in children: a report of 2 cases
Ye, F.; Sheng, Z-Ke.; Li, J-Jie.; Sheng, J-Fang.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 44(1): 25-30
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 23682434 Document Number: 664257
Pentastomiasis is a type of parasitic zoonosis. Most patients with pentastomiasis are asymptomatic. We report here two pediatric patients with severe pentastomiasis (porocephaliais taiwan and armilliferiasis), and the results of their 6-year and 3-year follow-ups, respectively. The manifestations and outcomes of the two cases are described. The diagnoses were established by histopathologic and/or parasitologic examinations. After diagnosis, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as well as praziquantel and/or albendazole, were used for treatment. This report highlights the seriousness of pentastomiasis in children. We suggest TCM be considered as supplementary or even primary treatment of children with severe pentastomiasis.