Diploscapter coronata Infection in Iran: Report of the First Case and Review of Literature

Abstract

We describe a 61-year-old man who developed a mild gastrointestinal discomforts including diarrhea associated with feces containing many larvae similar to rhabditiform larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis diagnosed finally as Diploscapter coro­nata, a free-living nematode. This case is unusual infection in human and there are a few reports of this worm as a real pa­rasite. Microscopically, Diploscapter larvae in feces should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Strongyloididasis and hook worm disease in endemic area. This was the first reported occurrence of human D. coronata infection in Iran. Most of the clinical manifestations of human infection are not yet known due to limited information; thus, there is a need for more studies.