Patient H.N.Q (20 years old) was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of persistent dull abdominal pain in the right hypochondrium. Based on the medical history, the patient was in stable health, occasionally ate raw vegetables but did not eat raw fish. In particular, the patient did not have the habit of regularly deworming - a potential risk factor leading to the current disease.

Although there was no fever, the liver ultrasound results showed many scattered abscesses, the largest of which was up to 30mm. Blood tests showed an increased white blood cell count, especially eosinophils. Suspecting the cause of parasitic infection, the doctor performed a diagnostic serological test.

The test results confirmed that the patient was positive for three types of parasites: large liver fluke, dog tapeworm and strongyloidiasis. With the diagnosis of liver abscess due to parasitic infection, the patient was prescribed a specific treatment regimen according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health. After two weeks of treatment, the patient's condition was stable and clinical symptoms disappeared.

Another case was Mr. N.V.T who was hospitalized with symptoms of dull abdominal pain in the right hypochondrium. The patient said he often ate raw salad. Ultrasound results detected multiple liver abscesses, the largest measuring 38 x 26 mm. Serum tests confirmed that the patient was positive for large liver flukes and dog and cat roundworms. The patient was diagnosed with liver abscess due to parasitic infection and treated with an appropriate regimen. After a period of treatment, the patient's condition was stable, and the symptoms were significantly reduced.

Risks and prevention measures

BSCKII Tran Duy Hung - Head of the Department of Viruses - Parasites, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases - said: "Through the medical history of the two patients, it can be seen that the living environment and eating habits play an important role in the risk of disease. Factors affecting the risk of infection include living conditions, food hygiene and the environment."

Doctor Hung emphasized: "If not treated promptly, large abscesses can cause many dangerous complications such as secondary infections, sepsis, liver failure or even multiple organ failure."

To prevent parasitic infections, doctors recommend: Eat cooked food, boil water, limit eating raw foods such as raw vegetables, fish salad, sour meat... If eating raw vegetables, wash them thoroughly with clean water and wash under running water; Wash hands thoroughly before eating, after going to the toilet or coming into contact with soil; Deworm periodically every 6 months.

Families raising dogs and cats need to regularly deworm their pets to reduce the risk of infection.