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Dioctophyme renale
Dioctophyme renale, commonly referred to as the giant kidney worm, is a parasitic nematode whose mature form is found in the kidneys of mammals
Prevalence
< 10 cases / year
Extremely rare
US Estimated
Extremely rare
Europe Estimated
Age of Onset
Any age
ICD-10
B83.8
Inheritance Pattern
Autosomal dominant
Autosomal recessive
Mitochondrial/Multigenic
X-linked dominant
X-linked recessive
5 Facts you should know
FACT
Commonly referred to as the giant kidney worm
FACT
A parasitic nematode whose mature form is found in the kidneys of mammals
FACT
It affects fish-eating mammals, particularly minks and dogs
FACT
Human infestation is rare, but results in kidney destruction, usually of one kidney, and therefore not fatal
FACT
5
Upon diagnosis through tissue sampling, the only treatment is surgical excision
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Dioctophyme renale, commonly referred to as the giant kidney worm, is a parasitic nematode whose mature form is found in the kidneys of mammals
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Common signs & symptoms
Many infections are asymptomatic early on. When symptoms occur, they may include:
Hematuria (blood in urine)
Flank or abdominal pain
Dysuria
Fever
Renal swelling
Passage of parasite fragments in urine (rare)
Advanced infection may lead to:
- Kidney destruction
- Secondary infection
- Reduced kidney function
Current treatments
Treatment focuses on removal of the parasite and management of kidney damage.
- Surgical removal of the worm
- Nephrectomy (kidney removal) in severe cases with extensive damage
- Supportive care and infection management
There are no widely established antiparasitic drug treatments proven to eliminate the parasite in humans once established in the kidney.
References:
Pedrassani D, Hoppe EGL, Tebaldi JH, Nascimento AA. The giant kidney worm (Dioctophyme renale): an overview. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet. 2009;18(4):1–9. doi:10.4322/rbpv.01804001 Li GH, Li XS, Liu Y, et al. Human infection with Dioctophyme renale: a case report and review of the literature. Parasitol Int. 2010;59(2):295–297. doi:10.1016/j.parint.2010.02.002 Monteiro SG, Sallis ESV, Stainki DR. Human dioctophymiasis: report of a case in Brazil and review of the literature. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2002;44(4):241–244. doi:10.1590/S0036-46652002000400008 Anderson RC. Nematode Parasites of Vertebrates: Their Development and Transmission. 2nd ed. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing; 2000. — Classic reference describing the lifecycle and transmission of Dioctophyme renale. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dioctophyme renale infection. CDC Parasites and Health Resources. — Overview of transmission, diagnosis, and prevention.