Diphyllobothriasis in Saudi Arabia

Authors

• Ibrahim S. Alkhalife, Department of Pathology, Parasitology Unit (32), King Saud University, College of Medicine, PO Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fax. +966 (1) 4672462. E-mail: ikhalife{at}ksu.edu.sa
• Rafiaa R. Hassan, Department of Pathology, Parasitology Unit, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Ahmed A. Abdel-Hameed, Department of Pathology, Parasitology Unit, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Laila A. Al-Khayal, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Primary Care Clinic, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

We described a Saudi patient infected with Diphyllobothrium latum D. latum. A 38-year-old male presented, complaining of passing worms. He had a history of recent travel to Europe and South East Asia. Stools examination revealed typical D. latum eggs. He was treated with praziquantel followed by saline purge, after which he discharged an intact tapeworm. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the worm confirmed the diagnosis of D. latum. This is the first case of diphyllobothriasis to be reported in Saudi Arabia. The epidemiology and methods of prevention of diphyllobothriasis are discussed.

Article Type

Case Report

First Page

1901

Last Page

1904

Recommended Citation

Alkhalife, Ibrahim S.; Hassan, Rafiaa R.; Abdel-Hameed, Ahmed A.; and Al-Khayal, Laila A. (2006) "Diphyllobothriasis in Saudi Arabia," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 27: Iss. 12, Article 22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.3713