Clinical studies of Capillariasis philippinensis

Abstract

Capillariasis philippinensis, a nematode disease new to man, causes a sprue-like syndrome with diarrhoea, malabsorption, weight loss and mineral depletion. Clinical studies in 1968 and 1970 described the signs and symptoms of the disease and extensive laboratory studies demonstrated a marked protein-losing enteropathy with impaired digestion and absorption of fats, protein and carbohydrate. Treatment with thiabendazole over a period of several weeks eliminated C. philippinensis ova from the faeces and reversed the clinical and biochemical changes. Relapse, however, is frequent and complete eradication of the infection is difficult.