Parasites and Health [Last Modified: ]
Heterophyiasis
[Heterophyes heterophyes]

Causal Agent Life Cycle Geographic Distribution Clinical Features Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment

Clinical Features:
The main symptoms are diarrhea and colicky abdominal pain.  Migration of the eggs to the heart, resulting in potentially fatal myocardial and valvular damage, has been reported from the Philippines.  Migration to other organs (e.g., brain) has also been reported.

Laboratory Diagnosis:
The diagnosis is based on the microscopic identification of eggs in the stool.  However, the eggs are undistinguishable from those of Metagonimus yokogawai and resemble those of Clonorchis and Opisthorchis.

Treatment:
Praziquantel* is the drug of choice.  See recommendations in The Medical Letter for complete information.

* This drug is approved by the FDA, but considered investigational for this purpose.

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