Fasciolopsis buski

Fasciolopsis buski is a large intestinal fluke of humans, belonging to the class Trematoda, phylum Platyhelminthes. It is one of the largest trematodes infecting humans and causes a disease called Fasciolopsiasis. The disease is primarily found in Asia and the Indian subcontinent, especially in areas where humans raise pigs and consume freshwater plants.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Fasciolopsis buski begins when the eggs are excreted unembryonated in the feces of the infected host. The eggs then become embryonated in water, and miracidia hatch and infect the first intermediate host, a snail. Within the snail, the miracidia develop into sporocysts, rediae, and cercariae. The cercariae are released from the snail and encyst as metacercariae on aquatic plants. Humans and pigs become infected by ingesting metacercariae on the aquatic plants. After ingestion, the metacercariae excyst in the duodenum and attach to the intestinal wall. There they develop into adult flukes (20 to 75 mm by 8 to 20 mm) in approximately 3 months, attached to the intestinal wall of the small intestines.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Fasciolopsiasis can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may be asymptomatic, while others may experience abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, anemia, and malnutrition. In severe cases, the flukes can cause ulceration and hemorrhage of the intestinal wall.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Fasciolopsis buski infection is made by identifying the large, operculated eggs in the stool. However, the eggs are indistinguishable from those of Fasciola hepatica.

Treatment

The drug of choice for treatment is Praziquantel. Other drugs such as Triclabendazole and Albendazole can also be used.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include educating the public about the dangers of eating raw aquatic plants and improving sanitation to prevent fecal contamination of water sources.

Fasciolopsis buski Resources
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