[Gnathostomiasis: an emerging parasitic disease?].

INTRODUCTION

Human gnathostomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the ingestion of foods contaminated with the larvae of various species of Gnathostoma. This zoonosis is currently endemic in Asia and Central America.

CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old French woman resident in Vietnam presented with intermittent pruritic swelling of the hand, present for one year, coupled with eosinophilia. The patient's history and serological testing confirmed the suspected diagnosis of gnathostomiasis. A favorable outcome was attained on treatment with albendazole.

DISCUSSION: This case, together with several others recently reported in France and Europe, underlines the need to inform travelers and migrants to endemic regions of the risks associated with eating raw or marinated fish.