GASTRODISCOIDIASIS: SYSTEMATIC-NARRATIVE HYBRID LITERATURE REVIEW

Gastrodiscoidiasis is among the neglected, underreported, and difficult-to-diagnose intestinal diseases. Human infection occurs through the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish or vegetables contaminated with the metacercaria of the helminth. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and epidemiological profile of Gastrodiscoidiasis and identified the main diagnostic methods used in documented cases of the disease. The reviewed cases revealed that the recognition of the infection is hindered by nonspecific clinical manifestations, especially in cases of coinfection with other helminthiases. Most reports of the disease come from India; however, the pathogen has also been described in the United States, Canada, Indonesia, Ghana, and the Philippines, though without reports of clinical disease. The main drugs used in treatment are praziquantel and mebendazole. Gastrodiscoidiasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of dietary exposure in endemic areas, including travelers. Greater efforts are needed to strengthen the clinical and epidemiological investigation of this disease.