What is Diphyllobothriosis?

Description of the disease:

Diphyllobothriosis is a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Diphyllobothrium. The main source of infection is fish containing the larvae of the helminth.

Classification:

• Diphyllobothriosis caused by Diphyllobothrium latum;
• Diphyllobothriosis caused by Diphyllobothrium pacificum.

Symptoms:

Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weakness.

Causes:

The cause of the disease is consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing the parasite larvae.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is based on examination of the stool for the presence of helminth eggs, as well as medical imaging methods for studying the intestines.

Treatment:

Treatment is carried out using antihelminthic drugs, such as praziquantel.

Prevention:

Prevention includes thorough thermal processing of fish before consumption.

Doctor:

Treatment is carried out by a helminthologist or an infectious disease specialist.