Severe pentastomiasis in children: a report of 2 cases

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2013 Jan;44(1):25-30.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use*
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / methods*
  • Parasitic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Parasitic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Parasitic Diseases / therapy*
  • Pentastomida*
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Praziquantel
  • Albendazole