Fascioliasis cases reported in Cuban patients in 2018-2019

Abstract

Introduction: Fascioliasis is a zoonotic infection that occurs worldwide, the higher incidence reports have been at Andes region in Latin America.

Objectives: Describe Fasciola infection characteristics in Cuban patients reported in 2018-2019.

Methods: A case-series study was made, in which clinical, biochemical, demographic, microbiologic and radiological data were collected from Cuban patients with Fasciola infection, admitted at Pedro Kourí Institute (IPK). A certain diagnosis was established on the National Reference Laboratory of Parasitolgy in IPK, by presence of Fasciola eggs in stool specimens.

Results: Raw aquatic vegetables ingestions were referred in 100% of Cuban patient with fascioliasis. Presence of hives, fever and abdominal pain were significant clinical manifestations together with eosinophilia. Good response to triclabendazol treatment was found at 80% of patients.

Conclusions: Ingestions of raw aquatic vegetables is the main source of contagion with Fasciola hepatica in Cuban patient, there’s why its necessary to increase the preventive work in the higher incidence regions of the country. Also, to recognize the epidemiological risk together with hives, fever, abdominal pain and eosinophilia, allow the physicians made an opportune diagnosis and treatment of patients with fascioliasis.