Fasciolopsiasis

Fasciolopsiasis results from infection by the trematode Fasciolopsis buski, the largest intestinal fluke of humans.

Geographic Distribution

This disease occurs in Asia and the Indian subcontinent, especially in areas where humans raise pigs and consume freshwater plants.

Clinical Features

Most infections are light and asymptomatic. In heavier infections, symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, ascites, anasarca and intestinal obstruction.

Laboratory Diagnosis

Microscopic identification of eggs, or more rarely of the adult flukes, in the stool or vomitus is the basis of specific diagnosis. The eggs are indistinguishable from those of Fasciola hepatica.

Treatment

Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of fasciolopsiasis.

External link

• Fasciolopsiasis