GeneHealth - Your precision medicine

Metagonimiasis

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Buy Membership

Description: Metagonimiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal fluke Metagonimus yokogawai, typically acquired through the consumption of undercooked or raw freshwater fish.
Type: Metagonimiasis is an infectious disease caused by the ingestion of larvae of the intestinal fluke *Metagonimus yokogawai*. There is no genetic transmission involved in metagonimiasis; it is acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish containing the infective larvae.
Signs And Symptoms: The main symptoms are diarrhea and colicky abdominal pain. Because symptoms are often mild, infections can often be easily overlooked but diagnosis is important. Flukes attach to the wall of the small intestine, but are often asymptomatic unless in large numbers. Infection can occur from eating a single infected fish source. Peripheral eosinophilia is associated especially in early phase. When present in large numbers, can cause chronic intermittent diarrhea, nausea, and vague abdominal pains. Clinical complaints can also include lethargy and anorexia. In acute metagonimiasis, clinical manifestations are developed only 5–7 days after infection. Heavy infection has also been associated with epigastric distress, fatigue, and malaise.
Occasionally, flukes invade the mucosa and eggs deposited in tissue may gain access to circulation. This can then lead to eggs embolizing in the brain, spinal cord, or heart. Granulomas may form around eggs and can cause seizures, neurologic deficits, or cardiac insufficiency.
An interesting case in Japan found diabetes mellitus (DM) to be a sign of chronic infection with intracerebral hemorrhages as the acute sign of aggravation<. Two months after administering praziquantel, the hemorrhages were gone, as was the diabetes. This unique case shows the potential of additional symptoms associated with metagonimiasis that are still unknown.
Prognosis: Metagonimiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the intestinal fluke Metagonimus yokogawai, generally has a good prognosis with appropriate treatment. Most cases respond well to antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel. Without treatment, prolonged infection can lead to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and, in rare cases, severe complications such as ulceration, bleeding, or even perforation of the intestine. Early diagnosis and intervention typically result in full recovery.
Onset: Metagonimiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal fluke Metagonimus yokogawai. The onset of symptoms typically occurs within 1-2 weeks after ingestion of the parasite's metacercariae, which are found in undercooked or raw freshwater fish. Symptoms can include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Prevalence: The global prevalence of metagonimiasis is not well documented, but the disease is particularly common in East Asian countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, and Taiwan. It is relatively rare in other parts of the world. Prevalence in endemic areas can vary, with some communities showing infection rates as high as 70%.
Epidemiology: Metagonimiasis infections are endemic or potentially endemic in 19 countries including Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, the Balkans, Spain, Indonesia, the Philippines and Russia. Human infections outside endemic areas may result from ingesting pickled fish or sushi made from fish imported from endemic areas.
Intractability: Metagonimiasis, an intestinal parasitic infection caused by the trematode Metagonimus yokogawai, is generally not considered intractable. It is typically treatable with antiparasitic medications, such as praziquantel. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment usually result in complete recovery without long-term complications.
Disease Severity: Metagonimiasis is generally considered to be a mild disease in most cases. However, infections can vary in severity depending on the parasite load and the host's immune response. Severe cases, often due to heavy infestations, can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and other complications.
Healthcare Professionals: Disease Ontology ID - DOID:884
Pathophysiology: Metagonimiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by the fluke Metagonimus yokogawai. The pathophysiology involves:

1. **Ingestion**: The disease begins when metacercariae, the larval form of the parasite, are ingested by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish.

2. **Excystation**: Once in the small intestine, the metacercariae excyst, meaning they emerge from their cysts.

3. **Attachment and maturation**: The larvae then attach to the intestinal mucosa and mature into adult flukes.

4. **Reproduction**: Adult flukes produce eggs, which are released into the intestinal lumen and excreted in the host’s feces.

5. **Tissue response**: The attachment and movement of the flukes cause inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, malabsorption or secondary bacterial infections.

6. **Egg dispersal**: Eggs released in feces enter freshwater bodies, where they hatch into miracidia. These miracidia infect snails, undergo further development, and release cercariae, which then infect fish, closing the life cycle.

The damage from the flukes and subsequent immune response leads to the clinical manifestations observed in metagonimiasis.
Carrier Status: Metagonimiasis does not have a known carrier status. It is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of Metagonimus yokogawai larvae, typically through consumption of undercooked or raw freshwater fish.
Mechanism: Metagonimiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal fluke *Metagonimus yokogawai*. Here is an overview of the mechanism and molecular mechanisms involved:

**Mechanism:**
1. **Transmission:** Humans typically acquire the infection by ingesting raw or inadequately cooked freshwater fish containing metacercariae (infective larvae).
2. **Life Cycle in Host:** Once ingested, the metacercariae excyst in the small intestine, where they develop into adult flukes.
3. **Infection and Pathogenesis:** The adult flukes attach to the intestinal mucosa using suckers, leading to localized inflammation and potential ulceration. The physical presence of the flukes, their feeding, and movement cause mechanical damage and irritation to the intestinal lining.

**Molecular Mechanisms:**
1. **Adhesion:** The flukes utilize specialized structures called oral and ventral suckers to attach firmly to the intestinal mucosa. These suckers and certain surface glycoproteins play a critical role in adhesion.
2. **Immune Evasion:** The flukes may produce molecules that modulate the host’s immune response. This includes secreting enzymes and other proteins that degrade host immune factors.
3. **Enzymatic Activity:** *Metagonimus yokogawai* secretes various enzymes, including proteases, that facilitate tissue penetration and nutrient acquisition by breaking down host tissues.

The combination of mechanical damage from attachment, enzyme secretion, and inflammatory response of the host contributes to the clinical manifestations of metagonimiasis, including abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and in severe cases, perforation or ulceration of the intestinal wall.
Treatment: Praziquantel is recommended in both adult and pediatric cases with dosages of 75 mg/kg/d in 3 doses for 1 day. Praziquantel is a Praziniozoquinoline derivative that alters the calcium flux through the parasite tectum and causes muscular paralysis and detachment of the fluke. Prizaquantel should be taken with liquids during a meal and as provided commercially as Biltricide. Praziquantel is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of metagonimiasis, but is approved for use on other parasitic infections.
Praziquantel has some side effects but they are generally relatively mild and transient and a review of evidence shows it overall a well-tolerated drug. Possible side effects include abdominal pain, allergy, diarrhea, headache, liver problems, nausea or vomiting, exacerbation of porphyries, pruritus, rash, somnolence, vertigo, or dizziness. In fact, in 2002, the World Health Organization recommended the use of Praziquantel in pregnant and lactating women, though controlled trials are still needed to verify this.
Another possible drug option is Tetrachloroethylene, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, but its use has been superseded by new antihelminthic drugs (like Praziquantel). A 1978 study also looked at the efficacy of several drugs on metagonimiasis infection, including bithionol, niclosamide, nicoflan, and Praziquantel. All drugs showed lower prevalence of eggs in feces, however only Praziquantel showed complete radical cure. Therefore, the authors concluded Praziquantel was the most highly effective, was very well tolerated, and was the most promising drug against metagonimiasis.
Compassionate Use Treatment: Metagonimiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of Metagonimus yokogawai, a type of intestinal fluke. The standard treatment involves antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel. However, in situations where standard treatments are not available or the patient is not responding, compassionate use or off-label treatments may be considered.

1. **Compassionate Use Treatment**:
- **Praziquantel**: Although it is the standard treatment, its use in cases where it is not readily available may fall under compassionate use.

2. **Off-label or Experimental Treatments**:
- **Albendazole**: While primarily used for other parasitic infections, albendazole has been used off-label for treating fluke infections, including metagonimiasis.
- **Nitazoxanide**: Another antiparasitic medication with broad-spectrum activity, sometimes used off-label for various parasitic infections, including intestinal flukes.

These treatments should be considered and monitored by healthcare professionals familiar with the disease and the patient's specific circumstances.
Lifestyle Recommendations: **Metagonimiasis Lifestyle Recommendations:**

1. **Avoid Raw or Undercooked Fish**: Refrain from consuming raw fish, particularly freshwater fish, which are common sources of Metagonimus yokogawai larvae.

2. **Proper Fish Preparation**: Cook fish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to kill any parasites.

3. **Safe Water Practices**: Drink only boiled or treated water in endemic areas to avoid contamination.

4. **Personal Hygiene**: Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before handling food.

5. **Preventive Education**: Educate yourself and others about the risks associated with eating raw or undercooked fish in endemic regions.

6. **Travel Precautions**: If traveling to endemic areas, be cautious with seafood consumption and prefer well-cooked options.
Medication: Metagonimiasis is treated with the antiparasitic medication praziquantel.
Repurposable Drugs: Metagonimiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by the trematode Metagonimus yokogawai. While there is no specific information available about repurposable drugs for metagonimiasis, the standard treatment typically involves praziquantel, an anthelmintic used to treat various parasitic worm infections.

"Nan" seems to be an abbreviation or term that is unclear in this context. If you meant "non-applicable" or have another specific query in mind, please clarify.
Metabolites: Metagonimiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of Metagonimus yokogawai, a type of fluke. Information specifically on the metabolites involved in metagonimiasis is limited. Typically, the primary focus is on the detection of eggs in stool samples for diagnosis rather than specific metabolites. For a more detailed biochemical analysis, further specialized studies would be necessary.
Nutraceuticals: Metagonimiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal fluke Metagonimus yokogawai. There is no established evidence that nutraceuticals or nanotechnology-based treatments are effective for this condition. The primary treatment for metagonimiasis involves antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel. Proper diagnosis and consultation with a healthcare provider are essential for effective treatment.
Peptides: Metagonimiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked fish contaminated with the fluke Metagonimus yokogawai. The information requested "peptides, nan" does not provide adequate context for a specific answer. However, peptides are small chains of amino acids that can play a role in immune responses or be components of diagnostic tests or treatments in some infections. In the context of parasitic infections, peptides derived from the parasite or host might be used in research for developing diagnostic tools or therapies. Nanotechnology (nan) can be used to enhance diagnostic techniques, drug delivery, or vaccine development related to parasitic infections.