Fasciolosis

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Fasciolosis is a parasitic infection typically caused by Fasciola hepatica, also known as the common liver fluke or sheep liver fluke. A related parasite Fasciola gigantica also causes disease. Humans get infected by eating watercress or other water plants contaminated with the encysted metacercariae (a stage in the life cycle of the fluke).

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The acute phase of the disease is characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. The chronic phase is characterized by intermittent pain, jaundice, and anemia.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis is typically by finding eggs in the stool. However, eggs do not appear until about 3 months after infection.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment is with triclabendazole.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Fasciolosis is present in 61 countries around the world, with millions of people infected.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention is by not eating raw watercress and other water plants, especially from areas where the disease is common.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Fasciolosis Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T