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| The laboratory of IMPE-QN serves the diagnosis, treatment, and research of liver fluke disease and other parasitic diseases. |
Suddenly getting parasites from harmful habits
A 38-year-old female patient in Ha Noi visited Medlatec General Hospital for a routine check-up and was unexpectedly found to have a parasitic infection requiring immediate treatment to prevent complications. Patients are often shocked to learn that such diseases can stem from daily habits that many people inadvertently maintain today. Unexpected illness in a healthy individual This was the case for Ms. NTH, 38, who went to Medlatec General Hospital for a regular health check. During the examination, she underwent an abdominal ultrasound and basic blood tests. Ms. H. reported occasional severe pain in her calves, a habit of eating raw vegetables, and frequent contact with cats and dogs, but showed no other symptoms. The doctor conducted a comprehensive examination of Ms. H.'s body and organs, finding no abnormalities. However, the ultrasound revealed liver damage, and lab tests showed elevated bilirubin and eosinophil levels. Helminth tests returned positive results for roundworms, strongyloides, toxocariasis, fascioliasis, and opisthorchiasis. Consequently, the doctor recommended an MRI and CT scan to assess liver damage. 
Parasitic diseases on the rise. MRI scans detected multiple nodular lesions and localized masses in the liver (mainly the right liver), spleen, and the base of the left lung, suggesting parasitic damage. CT scans showed scattered damage in the lung parenchyma, mediastinal lymph nodes, and hypodense nodules in the liver and spleen. These findings confirmed liver, spleen, and lung damage due to parasites. The patient was advised to receive outpatient treatment at the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital to prevent further complications. According to doctors, such cases are not uncommon. Hospitals and medical facilities nationwide continue to report parasitic infection cases. Assoc. Prof. Ho Van Hoang, Director of the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology Quy Nhon, stated: "If not detected and treated promptly, parasitic infections can lead to serious complications such as acute cholangitis, liver abscess, cholecystitis, or hematoma under the liver capsule." Understanding the Causes of Parasitic Diseases Parasites can enter the body through various means, including consuming undercooked food, drinking unfiltered water, eating raw vegetables, insect bites (e.g., mosquitoes or bedbugs), or contact with disease vectors like dogs, cats, or birds. In Ms. H.'s case, experts believe the parasitic infection was likely due to her habits of eating raw vegetables and frequent contact with pets. 
Increasing risk of helminth infections from dietary and lifestyle habits Preventing Parasitic Infections To avoid helminth infections from daily habits, individuals should: - Eat cooked food and drink boiled water. - Avoid street food and vendors. - Refrain from consuming raw salads, vegetables, fish, rare meat, or sour meat from unknown sources. - Avoid using spoiled food. - Wash hands after handling pets or exposure to potentially contaminated areas. - Clean and dispose of pet feces promptly to prevent parasite eggs from spreading. - Maintain personal hygiene, trim nails, prevent children from sucking their hands, and wash hands thoroughly before meals. - Ensure proper sanitation and avoid using fresh manure to fertilize vegetables; composted manure is safer. Diagnostic Tests for Parasitic Infections Parasitic diseases often present with subtle, non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, allergies, red pimples, muscle aches, bloating, and paleness, making them easy to overlook. Individuals with unusual symptoms or high-risk factors should seek medical examination and screening. Diagnostic tests for parasitic infections include - Abdominal ultrasound: The first imaging technique to detect helminths - Blood tests: To identify the presence of parasites like roundworms and tapeworms - Stool examination: To detect single-celled organisms, strongyloides larvae, and helminths - Histopathological testing: Biopsy to detect certain parasites like pork or beef tapeworms - Peripheral blood smear examination: To detect blood parasites like malaria or lymphatic filariasis - Microscopic or PCR examination: To identify specific parasites in samples like biological fluids, pus, or vomit - Fresh microscopic examination of keratinocytes (nails, skin scales) - Advanced imaging techniques: CT and MRI. Specialized Medical Services at the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology Quy Nhon (IMPE-QN) IMPE-QN, under the Ministry of Health, specializes in diagnosing and treating parasitic and vector-borne diseases, particularly emerging parasitic diseases like opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis, strongyloidiasis, toxocariasis, and other common ailments. The institute offers health insurance examinations and advanced diagnostic testing using biochemistry, hematology, immunology (ELISA), molecular biology, and imaging diagnostics through gastrointestinal endoscopy and color ultrasound Modern automated testing systems at the specialized clinic of IMPE-QN facilitate comprehensive screening and diagnosis of worms and tapeworms. 
Specialized Clinic of the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology Quy Nhon  Blood Biochemistry Analysis System 
Immulite XP Allergen Diagnostic System 
DXR Digital X-ray System  Digital Ultrasound System
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