Human taeniasis infection (Taenia saginata): a complex public health problem. Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Taeniasis is a zoonosis that can be found worldwide. It is relatively easy to diagnose and its treatment is currently effective. This paper describes the follow-up of a case with persistent refractory taeniasis. Case description: A 31-year-old female patient, street-food seller, was diagnosed with taeniasis when she was 21 years old. Since she was diagnosed, multiple treatments were administered, including albendazole, secnidazole, pirantel pamoato and several metronidazole schemes, which resulted in a partial improvement of the symptoms. In 2018, she expelled a parasite of ~1 meter in length, later described as Taenia saginata; praziquantel was prescribed, but it is not available in Colombia. The patient was referred to the Parasitology Service, and based on her medical history and a scientific review of literature, nitazoxanide (500mg, twice a day, for 3 days) and albendazole (400mg per day, for 3 days) were administered, eliminating the infection and improving the patient’s quality of life. Discussion: This case exposes two important clinical aspects. The first is the difficulty of monitoring and treating taeniasis cases. The second is the presence of persistent refractory taeniasis cases. Conclusion: Secondary, tertiary and combination drugs are available for effective and safe treatment of taeniasis. However, there is a need to conduct further studies to achieve better diagnosis, prevention, education and control.

Keywords

• taeniasis
• praziquantel
• public health