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Tapeworm infection incidence in rural Japan points to a common environmental source of infection

Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis is a zoonotic tapeworm transmitted to humans through consumption of raw or undercooked fish or wild meat. Between 2022 and 2023, Yamagata Prefecture reported an increase in cases compared with 2017-2021, when none were observed. We conducted a clinical and environmental investigation to clarify infection sources.

Citation:
Wannigama DL, Amarasiri M, Phattharapornjaroen P, …….. Kicic A, Trowsdale S, et al.  Tapeworm infection incidence in rural Japan points to a common environmental source of infection. Drug Discov Ther. 2025;19(5):351-7.

Keywords:
Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis; Tapeworm infection; environmental source of infection; rural Japan.

Abstract:
Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis is a zoonotic tapeworm transmitted to humans through consumption of raw or undercooked fish or wild meat. Between 2022 and 2023, Yamagata Prefecture reported an increase in cases compared with 2017-2021, when none were observed. We conducted a clinical and environmental investigation to clarify infection sources.