Fascioliasis in eosinophilic patients in the Isparta region of Turkey.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate fascioliasis in a group of eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic patients in the Isparta region of Turkey.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

All cases were examined for antibodies against Fasciola hepatica by the modified ES-ELISA method. Seropositive patients with fascioliasis were investigated by radiological and laboratory evaluations.

RESULTS

Of the 756 eosinophilic patients, 6.1% were found to be positive for fascioliasis by ES-ELISA, while the rate was only 0.9% among the non-eosinophilic group (statistically significant, p < 0.001). Among the seropositives, 19 cases were evaluated further. Ultrasonographic findings were found in 14 of the 19 cases. In six of nine cases, computed tomography findings were related to fascioliasis. F. hepatica eggs were found in ine of the 19 cases.

CONCLUSION

Fascioliasis was demonstrated in the Isparta region of Turkey for the first time. The higher prevalence of fascioliasis among patients with eosinophilia indicates the importance of this sign for this infection.