The challenge of triple intestinal parasite infections in immigrants—A call for comprehensive differential diagnosis
Parasitic infections including <i>Schistosoma</i> spp., hookworm, and <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. are commonly co-existing diseases in underdeveloped countries including South Sudan and Sudan. These infections are often presented with no specific symptoms, therefore they remain undetected and eventually leading to long-term complications. Latent parasitic infections among adults particularly displaced population like migrants and refugees have recently gained global attention. In this case report, we present the case of a young male immigrant from South Sudan with multi-parasitic infections. The patient was admitted to a hospital complaining of gastrointestinal symptoms of hematemesis and melena, which were accompanied by signs of liver and spleen enlargement, coupled with low blood cell counts. While liver function tests showed no abnormalities, stool examinations confirmed the presence of <i>S. mansoni</i>, hook worm eggs, and Rhabditiform first-stage larvae of <i>S. stercoralis</i>. The patient was treated with medications such as praziquantel and albendazole, which resulted in full recovery and discharge from the hospital. This case highlights the importance of considering multiple infections among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in endemic areas. Cost-effective prevention and control strategy require the implementation of a multisectoral One Health strategy for the surveillance, prevention, and control of parasitic infections in human, animals, and the environment.
Authors
- Ayman Ahmed (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9516-9508)
- Emmanuel Edwar Siddig (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6314-7374)
Institutions
- University of Khartoum (SD)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Clinical Case Reports
- Published
- 2024-11-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.9549
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.55