Human Illnesses from Opisthorchis felineus Flukes in Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Armignacco Orlando, Caterini Luciano, Marucci Gianluca, Ferri Fabrizio, Bernardini Giuliana, Raponi Giampaolo Natalini, Ludovisi Alessandra, Bossù Teresa, Morales Maria A. Gomez, Pozio Edoardo
Primary Institution: Belcolle Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
Hypothesis
What are the effects of Opisthorchis felineus infection from consuming raw fish in Italy?
Conclusion
The study found that outbreaks of Opisthorchis felineus infection in Italy resulted in mostly mild symptoms, with a significant number of infected individuals being asymptomatic.
Supporting Evidence
- Of the 22 infected persons, 10 (45.4%) were asymptomatic.
- Symptoms included fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and myalgias, but were generally mild.
- Eosinophilia occurred in all infected persons.
- The attack rate was 58.8% in the August 2007 outbreak.
Takeaway
Eating raw fish can make you sick, but many people who got sick from it didn't feel any symptoms at all.
Methodology
The study involved interviewing infected individuals, analyzing fecal samples for parasite eggs, and testing fish for metacercariae.
Limitations
The study may not account for all cases of infection due to the asymptomatic nature of many cases.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 34 men from different villages and a woman who consumed raw fish.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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