Fasciolopsiasis

Fasciolopsiasis is a parasitic infection typically caused by Fasciolopsis buski, a large intestinal fluke of humans. It is also known as intestinal fluke infection or buski infection.

Etiology

The causative agent of fasciolopsis is Fasciolopsis buski, a large intestinal fluke. The adult flukes reside in the small intestine of the human host, where they attach to the intestinal wall and cause inflammation and ulceration.

Epidemiology

Fasciolopsiasis is endemic in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, particularly in areas where humans raise pigs and consume freshwater plants. The disease is most prevalent in rural areas where sanitation is poor and where the water plants that serve as intermediate hosts for the parasite are consumed raw.

Clinical Features

The severity of the disease depends on the number of flukes in the intestine. Light infections are usually asymptomatic, while heavy infections can cause severe disease. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, malaise, and edema. In severe cases, the disease can lead to malnutrition and anemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fasciolopsiasis is made by identifying the characteristic large, operculated eggs in the stool. Other diagnostic methods include serological tests and imaging studies.

Treatment

The drug of choice for the treatment of fasciolopsiasis is praziquantel. Other drugs that can be used include triclabendazole and albendazole.

Prevention

Prevention of fasciolopsiasis involves improving sanitation and educating the population about the risks of consuming raw water plants. In endemic areas, regular treatment of the population with antiparasitic drugs can also be effective.

See Also

• Parasitic diseases
• Tropical diseases
• Praziquantel
• Triclabendazole
• Albendazole

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