Distomatosis
Distomatosis Distomatosis, also known as fascioliasis, is a parasitic disease caused by liver flukes of the genus *Fasciola*. The most common species responsible for this condition are *Fasciola hepatica* and *Fasciola gigantica*. This disease primarily affects the liver and bile ducts of various mammals, including humans.
Etiology[edit | edit source]
Distomatosis is caused by infection with the liver flukes *Fasciola hepatica* and *Fasciola gigantica*. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the ingestion of contaminated water or aquatic plants, such as watercress, that harbor the metacercariae, the encysted larval stage of the fluke.
Life Cycle[edit | edit source]
The life cycle of *Fasciola* species involves several stages: 1. Eggs: Released in the feces of infected hosts. 2. Miracidia: Hatch from eggs in water and infect a suitable snail host. 3. Sporocysts, Rediae, and Cercariae: Develop within the snail. 4. Metacercariae: Encyst on aquatic vegetation, which is then ingested by the definitive host. 5. Adult Flukes: Develop in the bile ducts of the host, completing the cycle.
Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]
The clinical presentation of distomatosis can vary depending on the stage of infection:
- Acute Phase: Characterized by fever, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and eosinophilia.
- Chronic Phase: May lead to biliary obstruction, cholangitis, and cirrhosis.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of distomatosis is typically based on:
- Serological Tests: Detection of specific antibodies against *Fasciola* antigens.
- Stool Examination: Identification of eggs in the feces.
- Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scans to assess liver damage.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment of choice for distomatosis is the antiparasitic drug triclabendazole, which is effective against both immature and adult flukes.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding consumption of raw aquatic plants from endemic areas.
- Ensuring safe drinking water.
- Controlling snail populations in water bodies.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Distomatosis is a zoonotic disease with a global distribution, but it is more prevalent in regions with extensive sheep and cattle farming, such as parts of South America, Africa, and Asia.
See Also[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- [World Health Organization - Fascioliasis](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/fascioliasis)
- [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Fasciola](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/fasciola/index.html)
NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]
Distomatosis is a rare disease.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
