Taenia saginata infection incidentally detected during workup for lymphoma from an 8-year-old boy in Korea: a case report

Abstract

Human taeniasis is presumed to have almost disappeared from Korea. Recently, we incidentally detected a Taenia saginata infection in an 8-year-old boy undergoing lymphoma diagnosis. The patient had been suffering for 4 months from intensifying snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. A neck computed tomography scan revealed a nasopharyngeal mass, and malignant B-cell lymphoma was supported by punch biopsy. On day 6 of the lymphoma workup period, the patient experienced anal itching, and two proglottids were detected in his stool. The patient had experienced four or five similar episodes within the past 2 years. He self-reported a history of raw beef and fish consumption and no history of traveling abroad. Laboratory findings revealed mild eosinophilia (eosinophil count: 791/μL). Two proglottids exhibited movement and possessed more than 15 branched uterine structures. Long segments approximately 84 cm in length were expelled after praziquantel treatment. Sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase 1 gene confirmed T. saginata, ruling out related Taenia species. After treatment, no proglottids or ova were detected in his stool, and the patient finally started chemotherapy for lymphoma. This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis of hidden taeniasis in low-frequency endemic regions.