Gongylonema pulchrum

Gongylonema pulchrum is a parasitic nematode that is the causative agent of a rare zoonotic condition known as Gongylonemiasis. This condition primarily affects mammals, including humans, and is characterized by the worm's presence within the mucosal layers of the esophagus, stomach, and sometimes the upper respiratory tract. The parasite is more commonly found in ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, but can infect humans who ingest the intermediate hosts, typically beetles or cockroaches, which harbor the infective larval stage of the parasite.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Gongylonema pulchrum involves several stages and typically requires two hosts to complete. The adult worms reside in the mucosa of the definitive host's esophagus, where they lay eggs. These eggs are then expelled through the host's feces. Once outside the host, the eggs must be ingested by an intermediate host, usually a beetle or cockroach, where they hatch into larvae. When the definitive host consumes these intermediate hosts, the larvae are ingested and migrate to the esophagus to mature into adults, thus completing the cycle.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

In humans, the infection may be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms, including a sensation of something moving in the throat, cough, and discomfort in the affected area. Diagnosis is often made through the visualization of the worm during an endoscopic examination or, less commonly, by identifying the worm in regurgitated material.

Treatment

Treatment for Gongylonema pulchrum infection typically involves the administration of antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or mebendazole, which are effective in eliminating the parasite. In some cases, the worm can be physically removed during an endoscopic procedure.

Prevention

Preventive measures against Gongylonema pulchrum infection include avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat that may harbor the intermediate hosts and maintaining good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of ingesting the parasite inadvertently.

Epidemiology

Gongylonema pulchrum infections are rare in humans, with cases reported sporadically worldwide. The infection is more prevalent in regions where the consumption of raw or undercooked meat is common and in areas with poor sanitation practices that facilitate the transmission of the parasite.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Gongylonema pulchrum

Gongylonema pulchrum is a rare disease.