Epidemiologic study of 69 human cases of fasciolosis hepatica occurring inthe department of Haute-Vienne (France) between 1981 and 1998

Objective - This study had for an aim to determine whether the epidemiologi c characteristics concerning 69 cases of human fasciolosis, noted in the Ha ute-Vienne department between 1981 and 1998, and the clinical symptoms of p atients at the Lime of their first presentation did not vary when compared to those reported by authors before 1980. Material and methods - A retrospective study was made in the French departm ent of Haute-Vienne between 1981 and 1998. Results - A total of 41 cases were recorded until 1987 and the other 28 aft er this date, thus indicating a decrease in human cases over the last 11 ye ars. Most of the contaminating meals were taken in December and January. Th e 69 patients belonged to all age groups; however, the number of infected p ersons above 50 years of age was higher in isolated cases than in familial cases. Many patients were executives, or in middle management. On the first examination, many patients complained of anorexia, pruritus, disorders in bowel transit, and a 38-38.5 degrees C fever. Comments - Comparing this data with that recorded for cases of human fascio losis before 1980 demonstrated that several factors in the epidemiology of the human disease had changed, whereas there was no change in the clinical symptoms at the time of the first examination. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiq ues et medicales Elsevier SAS.