(The family Diphyllobothriidae)

Abstract

Diphyllobothriasis, known as the “fish tapeworm,” is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by cestodes of the family Diphyllobothriidae, transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing plerocercoid larvae. It presents structural features that distinguish it from other tapeworms, characterized by a scolex with two bothria and proglottids that are wider than they are long, with a central uterine rosette. The species with the highest incidence in South America are Adenocephalus pacificus and Dibothriocephalus latus. Its life cycle includes a definitive host (human), intermediate hosts, and paratenic hosts. After infecting humans, it can remain silent for years, and when symptoms occur, they may range from abdominal discomfort to vitamin deficiencies and biliary obstructions. Diagnosis requires the visualization of operculated eggs or proglottids in stool samples. The treatment of choice is praziquantel. To prevent and control infection, key measures include consuming fish that has been thoroughly cooked or previously frozen, along with food safety education and environmental sanitation.