CAPILLARIA PHILIPPINENSIS IDENTIFIED IN DIARRHEIC PATIENTS FROM BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS, EGYPT

Abstract

Capillariasis philippinensis is a debilitating nematode zoonotic parasite affecting all ages. Patients usually suffered from borborygmus, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, protein loss, anemia, and weight loss, as well as decrease in electrolyte levels of potassium (K), sodium (Na) and albumin due to enteropathy. The microscopic examinations showed that 39/450 (8.6%) were C . philippinensis patients. The different parasitic stages were also examined by SEM. Biochemical estimation of albumin, Na and K levels were assessed as well as blood examination for hemoglobin level, total leucocyte count and eosinophila. Parasitic males, females and egg stages were identified by light microscope and SEM. Only anemia in children was significant as compared to other patients ( P <0.05). Most cases were associated with lowered albumin