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Korean J Parasitol. 2010 Jun;48(2):167-169.
Published online 2010 June 17.  doi: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.2.167.
Copyright © 2010 by The Korean Society for Parasitology
A Human Case of Hymenolepis diminuta in a Child from Eastern Sicily
Ildebrando Patamia,1 Elisa Cappello,2 Donato Castellano-Chiodo,3 Filippo Greco,3 Luciano Nigro,2 and Bruno Cacopardo4
1Laboratory Section and Microbiology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania 95100, Italy.
2Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Parasitology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania 95100, Italy.
3Paediatric Clinic, University of Catania, Catania 95100, Italy.
4Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, Catania 95100, Italy.

Corresponding author (Email: nigrolu@unict.it )
Received February 05, 2010; Revised April 16, 2010; Accepted April 21, 2010.

Abstract

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H. diminuta infection. The case presented with atypical allergic manifestations which had never been reported as clinical features of symptomatic H. diminuta infection; remittent fever with abdominal pain, diffuse cutaneous itching, transient thoracic rash, and arthromyalgias. The patient was treated with a 7-day cycle of oral niclosamide, which proved to be safe and effective. This case report emphasizes that a correct parasitological diagnosis requires adequate district laboratories and trained personnel. In addition, we recommend the importance of reporting all H. diminuta infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols.

Keywords: Hymenolepis diminuta, cestode infection, treatment, intestinal helminthiasis.
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