Gnathostomiasis in southeast Asia

Abstract

Five species of Gnathostoma are at present reported from Southeast Asia with specific diagnostic characteristics of each. Also important references relating to the specific characteristics of the species concerned are mentioned, and the known experimental life cycles of three species, namely G. spinigerum, G. hispidum, and G. doloresi found in the region were compared. The incomplete experimental study on the life cycle of G. vietnamicum is presented but the investigation of the life cycle of G. malaysiae is not yet initiated. Methods of transmission, symptoms and signs, the diagnosis and treatment of animal and human gnathostomiasis are also summarized. The effective therapeutic value of many anthelmintic drugs has not been satisfactory by screening test on white mice previously infected in the tissue with G. spinigerum larvae. However, a successful result of treatment was reported in one Japanese gnathostomiasis patient with thiabendazole. In the treatment of animal gnathostomiasis, Ancylol disophenol seems to be the effective drug for eliminating adult and migrating stage in the experimentally infected cats. Brief preventive measures against human gnathostomiasis are mentioned.