Capillariasis
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Capillariasis is a parasitic infection caused by Capillaria species, primarily affecting the intestines or, less commonly, other tissues such as the liver and lungs.
- Type
- Capillariasis is a parasitic disease. It is not genetically transmitted but rather acquired through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, typically involving the consumption of undercooked fish containing the larvae of Capillaria species.
- Signs And Symptoms
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Capillariasis is an infectious disease caused by the intestinal nematode Capillaria philippinensis. Here are the signs and symptoms associated with capillariasis:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, which can be severe and chronic
- Weight loss
- Weakness and fatigue
- Malabsorption of nutrients leading to malnutrition
- Edema (swelling) due to protein loss
- Nausea and vomiting
If not treated, the disease can result in severe complications and may be fatal. It often results from consuming undercooked or raw freshwater fish that are contaminated with the parasite. - Prognosis
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Capillariasis is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes of the genus Capillaria. The prognosis for capillariasis varies depending on the type of Capillaria involved (e.g., Capillaria hepatica or Capillaria philippinensis) and the timely initiation of treatment.
For Capillaria philippinensis, which affects the intestines, early diagnosis and treatment with antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole can lead to a good prognosis. Without appropriate treatment, the infection can be severe and potentially fatal due to malnutrition, weight loss, and other complications.
For Capillaria hepatica, which primarily affects the liver, the prognosis is generally poor without treatment, as it can lead to significant liver damage. However, it is a rare infection in humans.
Timely medical intervention is crucial for improving outcomes in capillariasis. - Onset
- Onset of capillariasis typically occurs several weeks to months after ingestion of the infective larvae. Symptoms can range from abdominal pain and diarrhea to severe malnutrition, depending on the level of infection. Early detection and treatment are crucial for effective management.
- Prevalence
- Capillariasis is a parasitic infection caused by Capillaria worms. The prevalence of this disease is relatively low, with cases primarily reported in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Thailand. It is considered a rare condition globally.
- Epidemiology
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Capillariasis is a parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Capillaria. The epidemiology of capillariasis varies depending on the species of the parasite.
1. **Capillaria hepatica** (which affects the liver):
- **Geographical Distribution**: Cosmopolitan, found worldwide, often in areas with poor sanitation.
- **Hosts**: Predominantly affects rodents, but can also infect humans and other animals.
- **Transmission**: Primarily through ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated food, water, or soil. Rarely through carnivory or cannibalism among animals.
2. **Capillaria philippinensis** (which affects the intestines):
- **Geographical Distribution**: Endemic in the Philippines and Thailand but cases have been reported in other parts of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and sporadically elsewhere.
- **Hosts**: Fish-eating birds are the natural hosts, and humans become accidental hosts.
- **Transmission**: Consumption of raw or undercooked fish that harbor infectious larvae.
Capillariasis is relatively rare but can cause significant health issues, especially in areas where the parasite is endemic. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the disease. - Intractability
- Capillariasis can be challenging to treat, particularly Capillaria philippinensis in humans, which may cause severe intestinal infections. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole. While these medications are generally effective, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications. In some cases, especially with heavy infections or delayed treatment, the disease can be more difficult to manage but it is not generally considered intractable with appropriate medical care.
- Disease Severity
- Capillariasis can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the infection and the organs affected. In severe cases, it may cause significant gastrointestinal distress, malnutrition, and potentially fatal complications if left untreated. Prompt medical treatment is essential.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:12474
- Pathophysiology
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Capillariasis, caused by the nematode parasites Capillaria philippinensis or Capillaria hepatica, involves different pathogenic mechanisms depending on the species.
1. **Capillaria philippinensis**: Primarily affects the small intestine. The ingestion of undercooked or raw freshwater fish containing larvae leads to infection. The larvae mature into adult worms in the intestines, where they embed into the mucosal lining, causing inflammation, ulceration, and malabsorption. This can result in symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and, in severe cases, protein-losing enteropathy and electrolyte imbalance.
2. **Capillaria hepatica**: Primarily affects the liver. This species predominantly infects rodents, with humans being incidental hosts. Infection occurs through ingestion of food or water contaminated with embryonated eggs or direct contact with soil. Once inside the body, larvae migrate to the liver, where they cause hepatocellular damage, inflammation, and granuloma formation. This can lead to symptoms such as hepatomegaly, fever, and eosinophilia.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent severe complications. - Carrier Status
- Capillariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Capillaria species. Typically, humans are infected by consuming raw or undercooked fish, which contain the infectious larvae. There isn't a "carrier status" for capillariasis in the way that some other diseases have asymptomatic carriers because humans typically become symptomatic following infection. Thus, the notion of carriers is not relevant or applicable ("nan" - not applicable) in the context of capillariasis.
- Mechanism
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Capillariasis is caused by infection with parasitic worms, primarily of the genus Capillaria. There are two main forms of the disease: intestinal capillariasis (often caused by Capillaria philippinensis) and hepatic capillariasis (often caused by Capillaria hepatica).
**Mechanism:**
1. **Intestinal Capillariasis:**
- **Transmission:**
- Humans typically acquire the infection by consuming raw or undercooked fish that harbor the larvae.
- **Development:**
- Once ingested, the larvae mature into adult worms in the intestines.
- The adult worms produce eggs, some of which are passed out with the stool while others hatch within the intestine.
- **Pathogenesis:**
- The larvae that hatch internally can reinvade the intestinal wall, which can lead to cycles of autoinfection.
- This can cause chronic and severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including malabsorption, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
2. **Hepatic Capillariasis:**
- **Transmission:**
- Humans typically acquire the infection by ingesting eggs present in contaminated food or water.
- **Development:**
- The eggs hatch in the intestine, and the larvae migrate to the liver via the bloodstream.
- **Pathogenesis:**
- The larvae mature into adult worms within the liver tissue, causing the formation of granulomas and fibrosis.
- This infection can lead to hepatitis-like symptoms, including fever, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), and abdominal pain.
**Molecular Mechanisms:**
1. **Immune Response:**
- The host's immune system responds to the parasites with inflammatory reactions aimed at isolating and destroying the worms.
- Cytokines and immune cells, such as eosinophils, play a crucial role in the inflammatory response, especially in hepatic capillariasis.
2. **Virulence Factors:**
- The worms produce various enzymes and proteins that help them evade the host's immune defenses and establish infection.
- These include proteases that assist in tissue penetration and immune evasion.
3. **Autoinfection Cycle (Primarily in Intestinal Capillariasis):**
- The ability of Capillaria philippinensis to use autoinfection cycles is a key molecular mechanism. This involves:
- Local hatching of eggs within the host leading to the internal cycle of larval invasion,
- and the production of new generations of worms without the need for an external intermediate host.
Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against capillariasis. - Treatment
- Capillariasis is treated primarily with antiparasitic medications. The most commonly used drugs are albendazole and mebendazole. Treatment typically involves a course of these medications lasting 10 to 14 days. In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care may be necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
- Compassionate Use Treatment
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Capillariasis is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes of the genus Capillaria, with Capillaria philippinensis being the most common species affecting humans. Treatment primarily involves antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole, which are considered the standard treatment.
1. **Compassionate Use Treatment**: There are currently no specific compassionate use treatments approved for capillariasis. Compassionate use typically refers to the use of an unapproved drug when no other treatments are available, but standard antiparasitic medications are generally effective for capillariasis.
2. **Off-label or Experimental Treatments**: Research is limited on off-label or experimental treatments for capillariasis, as the standard treatments are usually adequate. In rare or severe cases, other antiparasitic drugs might be considered on an off-label basis, but such use would be highly specific to individual cases and based on clinical judgment. Experimental treatments are not well-documented in the literature for this particular infection.
For severe infestations not responding to standard treatments, consulting a specialist in infectious diseases or parasitology is recommended. - Lifestyle Recommendations
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For capillariasis, lifestyle recommendations include:
1. **Proper Hygiene Practices**:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom.
- Ensure cleanliness in food preparation areas to avoid contamination.
2. **Safe Food Consumption**:
- Ensure that all fish are properly cooked before consumption, as capillariasis can be contracted from eating raw or undercooked fish.
3. **Clean Water Supply**:
- Use clean and safe water for drinking and food preparation to minimize exposure to potential parasites.
4. **Regular Medical Check-ups**:
- If you live in or travel to areas where capillariasis is common, regular medical check-ups can help in early detection and treatment.
5. **Education and Awareness**:
- Raise awareness about the transmission of capillariasis in communities at risk, focusing on the importance of cooking fish thoroughly and maintaining good hygiene. - Medication
- For treating capillariasis, the primary medication used is albendazole. It is typically administered at a dosage of 400 mg daily for a duration of 10 days. In some cases, ivermectin is also used as an alternative treatment. Treatment regimens may vary based on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to medication, so it's important to follow a healthcare provider's guidance.
- Repurposable Drugs
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Capillariasis, caused by Capillaria spp. (primarily Capillaria philippinensis), is a parasitic infection typically treated with antiparasitic drugs. Though specific repurposable drugs for capillariasis are not well-documented, some antiparasitic medications used for other parasitic infections could be considered:
1. **Albendazole and Mebendazole**: These broad-spectrum anthelmintics are often used for a variety of parasitic infections and might be potentially considered for use in treating capillariasis.
2. **Ivermectin**: Commonly used for treating nematode infections, it might have efficacy against Capillaria spp.
Clinical discussions and specialist consultation are critical for determining the suitability and effectiveness of repurposed drugs for this specific infection. - Metabolites
- Capillariasis is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes of the genus Capillaria, primarily Capillaria philippinensis. Regarding metabolites, specific details about the metabolites produced by this parasite in human hosts are not extensively studied. The primary concern with capillariasis is the malabsorption and protein loss resulting from severe infection, which can lead to muscle wasting and other systemic effects.
- Nutraceuticals
- Capillariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Capillaria genus, typically affecting the intestines. Nutraceuticals are food-derived products that provide health benefits, but there is limited evidence supporting their use in treating capillariasis. Standard treatment usually involves antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole. Research on nanoparticles and nanotechnologies for capillariasis is still in its early stages and not yet implemented in standard treatments.
- Peptides
- Capillariasis does not have specific peptide-based treatments. It is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes of the genus Capillaria. Treatment typically involves anti-parasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole. There's no known application of nanoparticles (nan) in the routine treatment of capillariasis as of current medical standards.