Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume 144, Issue 5, 1981, Pages 420-426

Infection with schistosoma mekongi in southeast asian refugees (Article)

Hofstetter M. , Nash T.E. , Cheever A.W. , Dos Santos J.G. , Ottesen E.A.
  • a Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
  • b Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
  • c Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
  • d Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA, United States
  • e Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA, United States

Abstract

Schistosoma mekongi is a newly recognized species of Schistosoma that is closely related to Schistosoma japonicum and is pathogenic to humans. Like the other forms of schistosomiasis in which the parasites reside in the mesenteric vasculature, S. mekongi infection has hepatosplenomegaly and portal venous hypertension as its most common serious sequelae. Schistosomiasis, although endemic in certain areas of Southeast Asia, has not been recognized as a health problem in Asian refugeeswho are currently entering the United States. In the present study 12 Laotian immigrants with S. mekongi infection were examined. The clinical, laboratory, and parasitologic findings in these patients are discussed. The diagnosis was made by examination of stool specimensin 11 patients and rectal biopsy specimens in one patient. All patients were asymptomatic, although the six youngest children had hepatomegaly. It is suggested that specific serologic tests may be useful in screening Asian refugees for infection with Schistosoma. © 1981 by The University of Chicago.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Short Survey trematode Laos hepatosplenomegaly Refugees middle aged great blood vessel parasite virulence hypertension geographic distribution United States Humans Adolescent male schistosoma mekongi female Liver Child, Preschool Article major clinical study adult schistosomiasis spleen cardiovascular system etiology Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0019865076&doi=10.1093%2finfdis%2f144.5.420&partnerID=40&md5=541e1b49bb0a881e89bf15c5e4eaec69
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/144.5.420
ISSN: 00221899
Cited by: 13
Original Language: English