Mammomonogamus - Symptoms of Infection in Humans

Symptoms of Infection in Humans

Symptoms usually began to appear 6–11 days after initial infection, beginning with a fever and cough. Most cases reported a progression to a persistent cough, leading to expectoration and sometimes hemoptysis. Worms in the bronchial region can trigger a chronic, nonproductive cough and asthma-like symptoms due to the obstruction of airways by the worms. These symptoms along with a low-grade fever can last for several months if not initially diagnosed correctly. A scratching or crawling sensation can be felt in the throat if the worms are attached in the larynx. Weight loss and pneumonitis have been reported as possible long-term consequences, but not anemia.

Recently, M. laryngeus worms were found in the duodenum of a Thai patient, which was the first gastrointestinal case of Mammomonogamiasis. The patient complained of chest pain, haematemesia, melaena, abdominal bloating, but no respiratory symptoms. Although nothing conclusive was determined, it is possible that the adult worms were dislodged from the larynx, re-swallowed, and later found in the duodenum.