Human Gnathostomiasis in Siam with Reference to the Method of Prevention

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Abstract
17 cases of gnathostomiasis collected from the records of the Siriraj Hospital during 1942 to 1947 are added to the 17 previously reported from Siam. They are discussed in 5 groups according to symptoms. The diagnosis of the disease in Siam can be made by the use of clinical histories and symptoms comprising chiefly migrating, intermittent swelling of the skin, and sometimes of mucous membranes, with a mild degree of boring or pricking pain and itching; the blood picture shows more or less eosinophilia. In addition, some other symptoms are present which result from injury of the affected organs. The tissue lesions caused by the parasite and the treatment of the disease are also briefly mentioned. The life-cycle of Gnathostoma spinigerum is briefly reviewed and all spp. of fresh-water animals known to serve as 2d intermediate hosts in nature in Siam are listed. Certain dishes containing the flesh of fresh-water fish that harbor this parasite are commonly eaten raw or partially cooked. Larvae found in these foods produced infection in exptl. animals. The only sure method of prevention is to cook thoroughly the flesh of any fresh-water fish that is to be used for food.
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