Living with Gnathomiasis
A parasite infection from eating raw or undercooked animals such as fish, eels, frogs, birds, or reptiles, found commonly in Southeast Asia.
Understanding Gnathomiasis
It is commonly found in Southeast Asia and spreads by eating contaminated raw or undercooked birds, eels, fish, frogs, or reptiles. Symptoms depend on the species. They come from larvae moving through the body.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms depend on the species. GARD describes these:
- Painful, itchy swellings under the skin
- Lung changes
- Eosinophilic meningitis (inflammation around the brain)
- Raised eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by Gnathostoma roundworms, which spread to people who eat contaminated raw or undercooked animals.
Also known as: gnathostomiasis; gnathostomosis; infection by gnathostoma; infection caused by gnathostoma; infectious disease by gnathostoma
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Gnathomiasis.
Explore research for Gnathomiasis
Explore actively recruiting Gnathomiasis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Gnathomiasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Gnathomiasis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Gnathomiasis
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Gnathomiasis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.