Gnathostomosis: A Foodborne Disease in Acapulco, Mexico
Author Information
Author(s): Norma Rojas-Molina, Sigifredo Pedraza-Sanchez, Balfre Torres-Bibiano, Hector Meza-Martinez, Alejandro Escobar-Gutierrez
Primary Institution: Hospital Regional Vicente Guerrero, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social
Hypothesis
Gnathostomosis is an emerging public health problem in Acapulco, Mexico.
Conclusion
Gnathostomosis cases in Acapulco are primarily linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish.
Supporting Evidence
- 98 cases of gnathostomosis were identified in Acapulco between 1993 and 1997.
- Common symptoms included intermittent cutaneous migratory swellings.
- Larvae were identified in only 26 out of 98 cases.
Takeaway
Gnathostomosis is a disease you can get from eating raw fish, and it can make you feel sick with swelling and pain.
Methodology
Patients were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, epidemiologic data, and serologic tests.
Limitations
Identification of larvae for definitive diagnosis was rare.
Participant Demographics
50 males and 48 females, mostly aged 20 to 45 years.
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