We document a case of locally acquired
‘‘broad- or fish-tapeworm’’ infection caused by Diphyllobothrium
latum in a 27-year-old Spanish man, confirmed
by molecular analysis (COI gene). The patient had naturally
expelled a worm of 110 cm in length, but the physical
examination did not yield any remarkable findings, and the
patient did not suffer from any particular symptoms. Laboratory
test results were normal except for a remarkable
increase in the red blood cell count, and an evident
decrease in the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular
hemoglobin. Vitamin B12 and folic acid values
were in the normal range without signs of anemia. It was
suggested that these anomalies in erythrocyte formation
might not be related to the parasite, and analysis of the
patient’s anamnestic data revealed that the infection could
only have been caused by the ingestion of imported fish,
although no light could be shed on the specific source of
infection. From a public health viewpoint, this human case
of fish-borne zoonosis is exemplary, suggesting that not
only is control of fish and fish product quality essential, but
also increased awareness of the general population with
regard to changes in culinary habits.