Whipworms are responsible for up to 500 million cases of trichuriasis worldwide, with higher endemicity in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In non-endemic countries, trichuriasis can be accidentally diagnosed upon colonoscopy, often in the presence of negative microscopy. Here, we describe an incidental diagnosis of trichuriasis in an HIV patient residing in a non-endemic area (i.e., Turin, Italy), six months after his return from Antigua. The species-level diagnosis was made thanks to PCR-based molecular identification of Trichuris sp. following optical microscopy detection. Overall, this case highlights the importance of improving parasitic diseases diagnosis through cutting-edge clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools alongside advanced training of specialists in the area of parasitology.

An unpleasant souvenir: Endoscopic finding of Trichuris trichiura (Nematoda: Trichuridae)

Peradotto, Marco;Rolle, Emanuela;Zaccaria, Teresa;Bondi, Alessandro;Bottino, Paolo;De Angelis, Claudio;Saracco, Giorgio Maria;Cavallo, Rossana
2021-01-01

Abstract

Whipworms are responsible for up to 500 million cases of trichuriasis worldwide, with higher endemicity in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In non-endemic countries, trichuriasis can be accidentally diagnosed upon colonoscopy, often in the presence of negative microscopy. Here, we describe an incidental diagnosis of trichuriasis in an HIV patient residing in a non-endemic area (i.e., Turin, Italy), six months after his return from Antigua. The species-level diagnosis was made thanks to PCR-based molecular identification of Trichuris sp. following optical microscopy detection. Overall, this case highlights the importance of improving parasitic diseases diagnosis through cutting-edge clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools alongside advanced training of specialists in the area of parasitology.
2021
80
102220
102224
Endoscopy; Food and waterborne parasites; HIV; Neglected tropical diseases; Trichuris
Peradotto, Marco; Rolle, Emanuela; Zaccaria, Teresa; Cavallero, Serena; Bondi, Alessandro; Bottino, Paolo; De Angelis, Claudio; D'Amelio, Stefano; Sar...espandi
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1868542
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