Capillariasis

Capillariasis is a parasitic infection caused by nematode worms of the Capillaria species. These tiny worms are commonly found in the intestines of various animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, and can infect humans through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Capillariasis can affect various organs in the body, but the most common site of infection is the gastrointestinal tract. The worms can cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. In severe cases, Capillaria infection can cause malabsorption syndrome, leading to nutritional deficiencies.

In cases of Capillaria hepatica infection, the worms migrate to the liver and can cause liver damage, hepatitis, and abscess formation. Capillaria philippinensis, on the other hand, is known to cause severe intestinal capillariasis with potentially life-threatening complications such as protein-losing enteropathy, which can result in severe edema, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances.

Diagnosis of capillariasis typically involves a thorough medical history, clinical evaluation, and laboratory tests such as stool examination for detection of Capillaria eggs or larvae. In some cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans may be used to visualize the affected organs.

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