Gnathostomiasis in remote northern Western Australia: the first confirmed cases acquired in Australia

Med J Aust. 2011 Jul 4;195(1):42-4. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2011.tb03188.x.

Abstract

A husband and wife became unwell after eating a fish from the Calder River in northern Western Australia. Gnathostomiasis was diagnosed, and treated with ivermectin and albendazole. Serological testing was positive for gnathostomiasis, and there has been no recurrence. These appear to be the first proven endemically acquired cases of gnathostomiasis in Australia, and demonstrate the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Albendazole / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Antinematodal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Gnathostoma* / immunology
  • Gnathostoma* / isolation & purification
  • Gnathostomiasis / diagnosis*
  • Gnathostomiasis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Western Australia

Substances

  • Antinematodal Agents
  • Ivermectin
  • Albendazole