Case report of and description of parasite in Mammomonogamus laryngeus (human syngamosis) infection

Abstract

About 100 cases of human infections with Mammomonogamus laryngeus (Syngamidae, Syngaminae) have been reported, with virtually all cases originating in the Caribbean Islands and Brazil. This report describes the fifth patient in North America infected with M. laryngeus and the first case documented to originate in Jamaica. The patient complained of a characteristic persistent nonproductive cough and a lump in her throat. M. laryngeus is a nematode in which the male and female are permanently joined in copula, producing a distinctive Y shape. Since there is scant clinical information about this parasite, this report includes a description of the adult worms and eggs, a summary of the epidemiology, and the clinical manifestations in humans. Illustrations are presented to facilitate future identification of this parasite and to expedite treatment.