5 Facts you should know about

Gongylonema pulchrum

Gongylonema pulchrum is a rare parasitic nematode (roundworm) that primarily infects humans and large mammals, residing in the upper digestive tract, especially the oral cavity, esophagus, and occasionally, the stomach

Infections with G. pulchrum are usually asymptomatic or may cause mild symptoms such as throat irritation, discomfort, or a sensation of a foreign body in the mouth or throat

Human infections occur through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, especially undercooked or raw meat from intermediate hosts (such as beetles, cockroaches, or other insects) containing the infective larvae

Diagnosis involves the identification of G. pulchrum larvae or eggs in biopsy specimens, saliva, or vomit, using microscopic examination or molecular techniques

Treatment for Gongylonema pulchrum infections often involves the surgical removal of the parasite if symptomatic, as there are limited effective antiparasitic medications for this particular nematode

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