African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12487

Review

Parasitosonography: Appearances of Ascaris lumbricoides, Colon taeniasis, Cysticercus cellulosae Schistosoma haematobuim, Drancunculus medinesis and Echinococcus granulosus infestations

A. C. Ugwu1, C. C. Ohagwu2, A. C. Anakwue3 and O. F. Erondu4
  1Radiography Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. 2Department of Medical Radiography, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. 3Department of Medical Radiography, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, Nigeria. 4Department of Physics, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 24 October 2008
  •  Published: 29 December 2008

Abstract

 

This paper is intended to improve the knowledge of sonographers and clinicians on the potentials of ultrasound in the assessment of appearances and immunopathological reactions that are caused by parasitic infestations. Sonograpic appearances in and ofSchistosoma haematobium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Colon taeniasis, Cysticercus cellulosae, Dracunculus medinesis and Echinococcus granulosus infestation were reviewed. Pertinent sonographic features were pointed out. Ultrasonography plays an important role in establishing the diagnoses of S. haematobium, A. lumbricoides, C. taeniasis and C. cellulosae infestation. Ultrasonography is used in visualizing calcifiedD. medinesis in muscles and evaluation of echinococcal infestations. The use of ultrasonography in evaluation of some parasitic infestation benefits from an understanding of multiple sonographic appearances (echinococcosis) and the immunological changes associated with the death of parasites in the muscle (cysticercosis)

 

Key words: Parasitosonography, Schistosoma haematobium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Colon taeniasis, Cysticercus cellulosae, Dracunculus medinesis, Echinococcus granulosus.