Abstract:
Dipylidiasis is a zoonotic parasitosis caused by a canine and feline
tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum which rarely infects humans, usually infants
and young children. The accidental ingestion of cysticercoid infected flea
Ctenocephalides felis is the cause of this cestode infection in humans. Here
we report the first and a rare case of adult dipylidiasis in a first-trimester
pregnant woman in Ghana. She reported at the health facility for a routine
antenatal check-up with apparently no symptoms or signs of the infection at
the time of the visit. Her routine stool examination revealed a single egg
packet of Dipylidium caninum and was treated with a single dose of
praziquantel. It is important for pathologists and laboratory technicians to be
aware of the emergence of human dipylidiasis in Ghana. A conscious effort
should be aimed at the creation of awareness among pet owners and the
general population of the public health importance of zoonotic parasites that
infect pets and domestic animals.
