Health Impact of Gnathostomiasis and its Integral Approach to Parasitic Infection: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The present study focuses on gnathostomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the nematode gnathostoma that affects both humans and other animals, with a prevalence of 0,14 %. The aim of the study is to analyze the main research related to gnathostomiasis, its diagnosis and treatment. To achieve this objective, a systematic review of clinical cases, observational and retrospective studies of the disease was carried out, following the PRISMA methodology. The literature search, conducted between 2018 and 2022 in the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Redalyc and Dialnet databases, resulted in the identification of five articles relevant and pertinent to the topic. The study findings indicate that gnathostomiasis, on the rise in Latin America and Asia, is transmitted mainly through the consumption of raw fish infected with Gnathostoma larvae. Although preventive measures and treatments, such as albendazole, are available, their efficacy is limited, and it is difficult to implement changes in dietary habits. Therefore, more research is needed to better understand the disease, develop more effective diagnostics and treatments, and raise awareness among physicians of its increasing global prevalence.