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Diphyllobothriasis

Disease Details

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Description: Diphyllobothriasis is a parasitic infection caused by ingesting raw or undercooked fish infected with the larvae of Diphyllobothrium tapeworms.
Type: Diphyllobothriasis is an infectious disease caused by intestinal tapeworms, particularly *Diphyllobothrium latum*. It is not a genetic condition and thus does not involve any type of genetic transmission. Instead, it is acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish that contain the larvae of the tapeworm.
Signs And Symptoms: Most infections (~80%) are asymptomatic. Infections may be long-lasting, persisting for many years or decades (up to 25 years) if untreated.
Symptoms (when present) are generally mild. Manifestations may include abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, and fatigue.Additional symptoms have been reported/described, including dyspepsia, abdominal distension (commonly as presenting complaint), headache, myalgia, and dizziness.
Prognosis: Diphyllobothriasis, an infection caused by the fish tapeworm Diphyllobothrium latum, has a generally good prognosis if treated promptly. Antiparasitic medications like praziquantel are highly effective. Most patients fully recover without long-term complications, though in rare cases, severe vitamin B12 deficiency can occur, leading to anemia and neurological issues. Treatment usually resolves these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for optimal outcomes.
Onset: Diphyllobothriasis, caused by the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish infected with the larvae of Diphyllobothrium tapeworms, has a variable onset. Symptoms may develop several weeks to a few months after ingestion of the larvae. Early manifestations typically include nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea.
Prevalence: Diphyllobothriasis is a parasitic infection caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked fish infected with the larvae of the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium latum. It is relatively rare but has been reported in regions where consumption of raw fish is common, such as Northern Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Recent data on its prevalence are not readily available, but improvements in food safety practices have likely contributed to a decrease in cases.
Epidemiology: People at high risk for infection have traditionally been those who regularly consume raw fish. While people of any gender or age may fall sick, the majority of identified cases occurred in middle-aged men.
Intractability: Diphyllobothriasis, an infection caused by ingesting larvae of the fish tapeworm *Diphyllobothrium latum*, is generally not considered intractable. It can be effectively treated with antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel or niclosamide. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment typically result in a complete cure.
Disease Severity: Diphyllobothriasis, caused by the fish tapeworm Diphyllobothrium latum, typically has mild to moderate severity. While many infected individuals may remain asymptomatic or experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, severe cases can occur. In more severe instances, the infection can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequent megaloblastic anemia, requiring medical intervention.
Healthcare Professionals: Disease Ontology ID - DOID:10075
Pathophysiology: Tapeworms develop in the small intestine. Adults attach to the intestinal mucosa. Adult tapeworms may grow to over 10 m in length and may constitute of over 3,000 proglottids which contain sets of male and female reproductive organs, allowing for high fecundity. Eggs appear in the faeces 5–6 weeks after infection.D. latum tapeworms are the longest and typically reach a length of 4–15 m, but may grow up to 25 m in length within the human intestine. Growth rate may exceed 22 cm/day. D. latum tapeworms feature an anterior end (scolex) equipped with attachment grooves on the dorsal and ventral surfaces.
Carrier Status: Carrier status for diphyllobothriasis primarily involves humans and certain animals, particularly fish-eating mammals and birds. Humans become the primary carrier when they consume raw or undercooked fish infected with the larvae (plerocercoids) of the Diphyllobothrium tapeworm. Once ingested, the larvae mature into adult tapeworms within the human intestines, where they can produce eggs that are released into the environment through feces, continuing the transmission cycle.
Mechanism: Diphyllobothriasis is a parasitic infection caused by the fish tapeworms Diphyllobothrium latum and related species.

**Mechanism:**
1. **Transmission:** The infection usually occurs when humans ingest raw or undercooked fish containing the larval form of the parasite (plerocercoid).
2. **Growth and Development:** Once ingested, the larvae attach to the lining of the small intestine using their bothria (sucking grooves) and mature into adult tapeworms over approximately 3-4 weeks.
3. **Reproduction and Shedding:** The adult tapeworms can grow to several meters in length. They release eggs that are passed out in the host's feces. These eggs need to develop in freshwater conditions to become infectious, continuing the life cycle by infecting crustaceans and then fish.

**Molecular Mechanisms:**
1. **Attachment:** The plerocercoid larvae use specialized structures called bothria to attach firmly to the host’s intestinal mucosa.
2. **Nutrient Absorption:** The tapeworms lack a digestive system and absorb nutrients directly through their tegument (outer surface). The tegument contains microvilli and glycocalyx, aiding in the efficient uptake of nutrients from the host’s gut.
3. **Immune Evasion:** Diphyllobothrium species have evolved to modulate the host's immune response by secreting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory molecules, which help in evading immune detection and prolonging infection.
4. **Vitamin B12 Uptake:** One critical molecular mechanism involves the parasite's ability to absorb Vitamin B12 far more efficiently than the host, often leading to Vitamin B12 deficiency in the infected individual. This is done through specialized receptors in the tegument that bind and internalize the vitamin.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against diphyllobothriasis.
Treatment: Upon diagnosis, treatment is simple and effective.Praziquantel
The standard treatment for diphyllobothriasis (as well as many other tapeworm infections) is a single dose of praziquantel, 5–10 mg/kg orally once for both adults and children. Praziquantel is not FDA-approved for this indication. Praziquantel has few side effects, many of which are similar to the symptoms of diphyllobothriasis.Niclosamide
An alternative treatment is niclosamide, 2 g orally once for adults or 50 mg/kg (max 2 g) for children. Niclosamide is not available for human or even animal use in the United States. Side effects of niclosamide are very rare due to the fact that the medication is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.Other
Reportedly, albendazole can also be effective.Gastrografin may be potentially used both as a diagnostic and therapeutic; when introduced into the duodenum it allows for the visualization of the parasite, and has also been shown to cause detachment and passing of the whole worm. During the 1940s, the preferred treatment was 6 to 8 grams of oleoresin of aspidium, which was introduced into the duodenum via a Rehfuss tube.
Compassionate Use Treatment: Diphyllobothriasis, caused by the fish tapeworm Diphyllobothrium latum, is typically treated with standard antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel or niclosamide. There are no specific compassionate use treatments, off-label, or experimental treatments widely recognized for diphyllobothriasis at this time. The standard treatments are highly effective, and no new experimental therapies have gained significant attention or proven superior efficacy.
Lifestyle Recommendations: For diphyllobothriasis, which is an infection caused by the fish tapeworm *Diphyllobothrium latum*, lifestyle recommendations primarily focus on prevention and ensuring proper food handling. Here are some key recommendations:

1. **Avoid Eating Raw or Undercooked Fish**: Ensure that fish is cooked to a safe temperature (internal temperature of at least 145°F or 63°C). Freezing fish at specific temperatures for certain durations can also kill the parasite.

2. **Source Fish Properly**: Obtain fish from reputable sources that follow safe handling procedures.

3. **Food Safety Practices**: Maintain good kitchen hygiene by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw fish.

4. **Travel Precautions**: Be cautious of consuming raw or undercooked fish while traveling to areas where the parasite is more common.

5. **Regular Health Check-ups**: If you have a history of consuming raw or undercooked fish, consider regular medical check-ups to catch any potential infections early.

These practices can help prevent diphyllobothriasis and maintain overall health.
Medication: Diphyllobothriasis, an infection caused by the fish tapeworm *Diphyllobothrium latum*, is typically treated with the medication praziquantel. The usual dosage for adults is a single dose of 5-10 mg/kg of body weight. This medication paralyzes the tapeworm, causing it to detach from the intestinal wall and be expelled from the body. Albendazole is another option, taken at 400 mg twice daily for 3-7 days. It's important to follow a healthcare provider's prescription and advice for proper treatment.
Repurposable Drugs: There is no widely recognized information on repurposable drugs specifically for diphyllobothriasis. Standard treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel or niclosamide.
Metabolites: Diphyllobothriasis is an infection caused by the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium, commonly acquired from eating undercooked or raw fish. The primary metabolites involved in its lifecycle are not specifically characterized as "nan" does not apply here. However, the tapeworm may affect the host's absorption of nutrients, notably vitamin B12, potentially leading to deficiency.
Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to their basic nutritional value. For diphyllobothriasis, which is an infection caused by the fish tapeworm *Diphyllobothrium latum*, there are no specific nutraceuticals recommended for treatment. The primary treatment is with antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel or niclosamide. Preventative measures include cooking fish thoroughly and freezing fish at temperatures to kill any larvae. No current evidence suggests that nutraceuticals play a role in either treating or preventing diphyllobothriasis.
Peptides: Diphyllobothriasis is an infection caused by the fish tapeworm *Diphyllobothrium latum*. Here are concise points related to the disease:

1. **Transmission**: Typically occurs through the consumption of undercooked or raw fish that contain the larval stages of the parasite.
2. **Symptoms**: Often asymptomatic, but can include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. In some cases, vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequent anemia can occur.
3. **Diagnosis**: Identification of tapeworm eggs or segments in stool samples.
4. **Treatment**: Praziquantel or niclosamide is usually effective.
5. **Prevention**: Properly cooking fish and preventing contamination of water sources with human feces are key preventive measures.

Peptides or nanotechnological approaches are not currently conventional treatments or diagnostic measures for diphyllobothriasis.

(Note: "Peptides, nan" may refer to research areas within the fields of biochemistry and nanotechnology but are not standard in the context of diphyllobothriasis management as of current medical practice.)