Synonym(s)
Lancet fluke infection; small liver flu
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Trematode infection by Dicrocoelium dendriticum.
PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.
Dicrocoelium dendriticum (small liver fluke, lancet fluke); the adult worms are 5-12 x 1.4-2 mm in size, leaf-shaped, reddish, with a tree-like ("dendriticum") branched uterus and 2 suction cups of equal size. The eggs are 40 x 26 µm in size, dark brown, relatively thick-shelled, capped and contain mirazidia.
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Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
Rare human parasitosis (only about 100 cases have been described in the literature so far). Worldwide occurrence; Dicrocoelicum hospes, a closely related species, has been found in West and Central Africa.
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
land snails take up the eggs; then, cercaria mature in the snails, which are released from the mucus bales; the maturing process lasts 3-5 months. The bales of slime are taken up by ants (e.g. by green fodder), which is absorbed by the final host. More frequent passagere egg excretion after consumption of liver containing Dicrocoelium worms.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
- Integument: Icterus.
- Essential systemic health disorders only in mass infestation: flatulence, loss of appetite, colicky pain in the upper abdomen, enlargement of the liver, anemia.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
- Detection of eggs in stool or duodenal juice (no consumption of liver during diagnosis)
- Eosinophilia
- No specific immunodiagnostics available, but serum antibodies against other trematode antigens.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Praziquantel: Single dose of 50 mg/kg bw p.o.
ProphylaxisThis section has been translated automatically.
No consumption of unwashed salad and other green plants.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Haswell-Elkins MR, Levri E (2003) Food-borne Trematodes. In: Cook GC, Zumla A Manson's Tropical diseases. WB Saunders, 21st Edition, pp. 1648-1716
- Ziegler K, Burchard GD, Meier-Brook A (1996) Liver and lung fluke infections. In: Knobloch J, tropical and travel medicine. Gustav Fischer
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Worm infections skin signs;Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
