Fascioliasis: A Neglected Tropical Disease Of Global Importance

Fascioliasis

Fascioliasis, also known as liver fluke infection, is a parasitic disease caused by a trematode, Fasciola hepatica. This disease affects humans and various livestock animals and is widespread in many parts of the world. Fascioliasis has significant public health and economic importance, with an estimated 2.4 million people affected worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Fascioliasis hepatica is a leaf-shaped, flatworm that lives in the bile ducts and liver of mammals, including humans. The adult flukes lay eggs that are released into the bile ducts and excreted in the feces of the host. The eggs hatch in water, and the miracidia, or larval form, infect snails as the intermediate host. In the snail, the miracidia develop into cercariae, which are released into the water. These cercariae then penetrate the skin of a mammal, such as a sheep or cow, and migrate to the liver, where they develop into immature flukes.

The Global Fascioliasis Market Is Estimated To Be Valued At US$ 361.3 Million In 2023 And Is Expected To Exhibit A CAGR Of 4.52% During The Forecast Period (2023-2030).

The immature flukes penetrate the liver capsule and migrate through the liver parenchyma, causing damage to liver cells and creating a tunnel-like tract known as the hepatic sinusoids. The flukes then migrate into the bile ducts, where they develop into mature adult flukes, and the cycle begins again.

Symptoms:

In humans, Fascioliasis can be asymptomatic or cause a range of clinical symptoms. Acute fascioliasis can cause symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chronic infection can lead to more severe symptoms, such as chronic abdominal pain, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), anemia, jaundice, and ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen).

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of Fascioliasis can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of symptoms and the lack of reliable diagnostic tests. Blood tests can detect the presence of antibodies to Fasciola hepatica, but false negatives are common, especially in the early stages of infection. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT), can detect liver damage and the presence of adult flukes in the bile ducts.

 

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