Case of megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal taeniasis (original) (raw)

Abstract

A 61-year-old eutrophic male was diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia. A modified Schilling test suggested intestinal malabsorption unrelated to intrinsic factor deficiency. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed the presence of a Taenia tapeworm. The anemia resolved within days under therapy with niclosamide and temporary vitamin B12 supplements. The present case suggests that, in addition to other well-known parasitic agents, e.g., Diphyllobothrium latum and Giardia lamblia, Taenia infestation can also be a cause of intestinal vitamin B12 malabsorption.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Edmond Charlier for clinical and laboratory data and Dr. Christopher Butler for reading the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine & Center of Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
    Peter Vuylsteke, Celine Bertrand, Gregor E. G. Verhoef & Peter Vandenberghe

Authors

  1. Peter Vuylsteke
  2. Celine Bertrand
  3. Gregor E. G. Verhoef
  4. Peter Vandenberghe

Corresponding author

Correspondence toPeter Vandenberghe.

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Vuylsteke, P., Bertrand, C., Verhoef, G.E.G. et al. Case of megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal taeniasis.Ann Hematol 83, 487–488 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-003-0839-2

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