Authors:

Nwannah, A.l.^*1; Ukaga, C.n.²; Asiawuchi, S.o.¹;Nwannah, S.o³And Mgbemena, I.c.⁴

1. Microbiology/Parasitology Department, Federal University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1010, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
2. Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Imo State University, P. M. B. 2000, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
3. Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
4. Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract:

A 29yrs old woman from Obowo in Imo State Nigeria presented with a mild abdominal cramp and intermittent diarrhoea in one of the health facilities in Owerri. She had been discharging tapeworm segments since 2020 from her anus and sometimes these were found around her vagina without any major discomfort. Her husband had been away during this period and was due to return home. This made her decide to visit the health facility to present this situation so as not to possibly infect her husband. Sample containers were given to her to collect her stool samples, urine and any worm segments daily for 5days. A total of ten samples (both stool and urine) were analyzed using parasitological procedures. The recovered segments were examined using histological procedures for proper identification. Praziquantel and Metronidazole was administered to the patient and a follow-up stool analysis was carried out on 14th and 28th day after treatment. Eighteen worm segments were recovered from stool, anal region and around her vagina respectively. Out of the eighteen worm segments recovered, 4(22.0%) were from stool sample, 11(61.1%) from anus, 3(16.7%) around the vagina and none were recovered from urine samples. They were all identified as proglottids of Taenia saginata specie. Cyst of Entamoeba coli was also isolated in all the stool samples while few eggs of Taenia specie was detected in two out of five stool samples examined. Segments were not recovered in the urine samples and the Scolex of the tapeworm was not recovered in this study. The results of the post treatment analysis of both stool and urine samples were negative for Taenia saginata and Entamoeba coli respectively. The discharge of the segments from the anus stopped completely. There is need to enlighten the public on the importance of consuming properly cooked meat (Beef) and to maintain a good environmental sanitation to prevent Taeniasis and other parasitic infection.

Citation:

Chinyere Ukaga.A Case Report of Taeniasis in a 29yrs old Woman from Owerri, Imo State Nigeria. Clinical Imaging and Case Reports 2024.