Systemic vasculitis associated with Fasciola hepatica infection

Abstract

We report the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with systemic vasculitis associated with Fasciola hepatica infection. The patient presented with severe skin, kidney, spleen, ophthalmic, and neurological compromise. An immunological examination for primary vasculitis was negative and other infections were discounted by microbiological and serological analyses. The patient was treated with steroids without clinical response. The Fasciola hepatica infection was confirmed by the presence of specific immunoglobulin G ( IgG) serum antibodies detected by a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) with an optical density ( OD) of 0.483 OD units ( normal value < 0.170 OD units) and a high-titre complement fixation ( 1/80 dilution). The patient received treatment with triclabendazole and all symptoms and systemic manifestations resolved within weeks. Hence, this previously unreported vasculitis-associated infection, if identified opportunely, can be treated and cured.