Capillaria philippinensis Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the scientific and common name of Capillaria philippinensis?
Scientific name: Capillaria philippinensis.
Common names: Pudoc Worm, Pudoc Disease, Mystery Disease (Compostella Valley).
Where was Capillaria philippinensis first discovered?
In Pudoc West, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
What are the diagnostic and infective stages of Capillaria philippinensis?
Diagnostic Stage: Egg or larva
Infective Stage: Larval stage found in fish
What is the mode of transmission of Capillaria philippinensis?
Ingestion of raw or undercooked fish that contains the infective larvae.
Who are the hosts in the life cycle of Capillaria philippinensis?
Natural Host: Migratory birds
Incidental Host: Humans
Intermediate Host: Freshwater or brackish water fishes (e.g., Ipon, Hypselotris bipartita)
What happens to the eggs in the environment?
Eggs are passed in feces, embryonate in water or soil, and must be ingested by fish where they hatch and develop into larvae.
What happens inside the human after ingesting infected fish?
The larvae develop into adults in the intestines. Some female worms produce larvae that stay in the gut, causing heavy worm burden and more severe disease.
Where and when did a major outbreak occur in the Philippines?
In 1998, in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, where it was called a “mystery disease” due to misdiagnosis.
What are the common clinical symptoms?
Abdominal pain
Borborygmi (stomach rumbling)
8–10 voluminous diarrhea stools per day
Weight loss, malaise, anorexia, vomiting, edema
What are severe complications?
Protein-losing enteropathy
Hypoalbuminemia
Malabsorption (fats and sugars)
Steatorrhea
Electrolyte imbalances (low K, Na, Ca)
High Immunoglobulin E
Micro-ulcers in gut epithelium
What is the method for laboratory diagnosis?
stool examination
What is the treatment for Capillaria philippinensis?
Mebendazole
Albendazole
What are the prevention and control measures?
Improve sanitation and health education
Prevent improper disposal of human waste
Avoid eating raw fish
Provide training for health personnel
