Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Dibothriocephalus dendriticus (D. dendriticus) is a recognized causative agent of diphyllobothriosis, a worldwide fish-borne zoonosis affecting up to 20 million people. It is predominantly distributed in circumboreal regions, and no human infections have been previously reported in China. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This is the first human case of diphyllobothriosis caused by D. dendriticus in China. We report the clinical and epidemiological findings, as well as the morphological and genetic characteristics of the parasite. Retrospective investigation suggests this was an autochthonous case acquired in China. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? The increasing demand for fish products and raw foods poses a growing risk of diphyllobothriosis and potential economic losses. Attention should be paid to preventing D. dendriticus from becoming an emerging disease in China due to the globalization of food trade and global integration.