Case Report: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Eosinophilic Meningitis due to Disseminated Fascioliasis

Abstract

Human infection with the trematode Fasciola occurs with a worldwide prevalence of up to 17 million. Sheep and cattle are the normal host. Infection typically results in hepatobiliary disease, but extrahepatic manifestations are occasionally reported. Here, we present the case of a previously healthy 31-year-old Kurdish woman, admitted to hospital with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, eosinophilic meningitis, and lung and liver disease. A diagnosis of Fasciola infection was made based on strongly positive serology in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The patient improved following treatment with triclabendazole and prednisolone.

Triclabendazole for the treatment of human fascioliasis and the threat of treatment failures

“…Fascioliasis may also mimic a hepatic tumor requiring invasive surgical procedures [26]. Occasionally, the larva may migrate during the acute infection to extrahepatic locations such as brain, subcutaneous tissue or lungs causing significant morbidity [27,28]. In diagnosis, serologic tests can detect antibodies within 2 weeks…”