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Fasciolopsiasis results from infection by the trematode Fasciolopsis buski (Lankester 1857) Odhner 1902, 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 raw aquatic plants.
Infection cycle
The parasite infects an amphibic snail (Segmentina nitidella, Segmentina hemisphaerula, Hippeutis schmackerie, Gyraulus, Lymnaea, Pila, Planorbis (Indoplanorbis)) after released by infected feces; from this intermediate host metacercaria infest on aquatic plants, which are eaten (raw) by pigs and humans. Also the water is possibly infective when drunk unheated ("Encysted cercariae exist not only on aquatic plants, but also on the surface of the water." - cited from: on ecology of Fasciolopsis buski and control strategy of fasciolopsiasis)
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.
See also
- Hulda Regehr Clark - wrote a series of books including The Cure for all Diseases, advocating extreme dietary practices and "zapping" of parasites. "The Cure For All Cancers" postulates many diseases (including all cancers) are caused by F. buski.
- "It has been estimated that there may be 10 million people in East Asia infected with this fluke, yet its radiological identification remains unreported." - http://tmcr.usuhs.mil/tmcr/chapter21/otherfas.htm
External links
"Fasciolopsiasis"