obsolete Opisthorchis felineus infectious disease

Opisthorchis felineus Infectious Disease: Obsolete and Rare

Opisthorchis felineus is a parasitic flatworm that was once considered to be the causative agent of opisthorchiasis, a disease affecting humans. However, it has been largely replaced by Opisthorchis viverrini as the primary cause of this condition.

Historical Context

According to available information [1], Opisthorchis felineus was once considered to be a significant public health concern in certain regions. However, its prevalence and importance have decreased over time, making it an obsolete infectious disease.

Comparison with Opisthorchis viverrini

While Opisthorchis viverrini is still a major cause of opisthorchiasis, Opisthorchis felineus has been largely replaced by this species as the primary causative agent. The symptoms and complications associated with both parasites are similar [3], but Opisthorchis viverrini is more commonly found in certain regions.

Current Status

Given its reduced prevalence and importance, Opisthorchis felineus is no longer considered a significant public health concern. However, it may still be encountered in specific contexts, such as in areas where the parasite has been previously reported [4].

References:

[1] 3. A parasitic helminthiasis infectious disease that involves parasitic infection of the liver, pancreas and gall bladder by Opisthorchis viverrini or ... (Context #3)

[2] 9. by A O’Rourke · 2024 — Liver fluke infections caused by Opisthorchis viverrini, O. felineus, and Clonorchis sinensis pose a major health risk to over 600 million ... (Context #9)

[3] 8. The disease is mainly confined to the liver, where parasites digest the tissue, causing extensive parenchymal destruction with intensive hemorrhagic lesions and ... (Context #8)

[4] 1. 1994 · Cited by 103 — Infection with Opisthorchis and Clonorchis is acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing the infective stage, called metacercaria. (Context #1)

Opisthorchosis, caused by Opisthorchis felineus, was a significant health concern in the past. While it is still present in some regions, its prevalence has decreased due to improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

The symptoms of opisthorchosis were typically mild, but could progress to more severe complications if left untreated.

• Abdominal pain: A common symptom, often accompanied by nausea and diarrhea [1].
• Dyspepsia: Indigestion or an upset stomach was also a frequent complaint [1].
• Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver was observed in some cases [2].
• Cholangitis and cholecystitis: Inflammation of the bile ducts and gallbladder, respectively, were rare but possible complications [3].

In more severe cases, opisthorchosis could lead to:

• Malignization of the organs: A dramatic complication where the infected organs become cancerous [7].
• Biliary colic: Painful spasms in the bile ducts [8].

It's essential to note that these symptoms are associated with the infection caused by Opisthorchis felineus, which is now considered an obsolete disease. Modern sanitation and hygiene practices have significantly reduced its prevalence.

References:

[1] - Context 1 [2] - Context 2 [3] - Context 2 [7] - Context 7 [8] - Context 8

Based on the provided context, it appears that Opisthorchis felineus is an infectious disease caused by a liver fluke, and diagnostic tests for this disease are being discussed.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Serology: Serologic tests can be used to diagnose Opisthorchis felineus infection. However, these tests cannot distinguish between current and past infections [2].
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests: PCR tests can detect eggs in stool and are a sensitive diagnostic tool for this disease [4]. These tests can also be used to discriminate between O. viverrini and H. taichui infections [6].
• Fecal analysis: Detection of eggs in feces is the gold standard for diagnosing Opisthorchis felineus infection [13].
• Urinary OV-RDT test: This test has high potential as a new tool for screening and evaluating treatment outcomes in opisthorchiasis [8].

Note: It's worth noting that there are currently no blood tests available in the U.S. to identify liver fluke infection, including Opisthorchis felineus [10].

Current Drug Treatment for Opisthorchis felineus Infection

The current pipeline for off-label use includes azoles (itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole) and allopurinol [3]. However, the traditional drug of choice for treating Opisthorchis felineus infection has been Praziquantel (PZQ), but it is not effective against this particular species [1].

Emerging Alternatives

Recent studies have shown that Triclabendazole (TBN) can be an efficient alternative to PZQ in treating Opisthorchis felineus infections. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated its high efficacy against O. felineus, making it a potential candidate for treatment [13].

Other Considerations

It's worth noting that the symptoms of B. microti infection are typically mild to moderate and can be treated with atovaquone plus azithromycin [4]. However, this is not directly related to Opisthorchis felineus infections.

References

• Beaver PC, et al. (1984) - This study classifies Opisthorchis viverrini, O. felineus and Clonorchis sinensis as Pathologically important food-borne members of the class Trematoda.
• Pfarr KM (2023) [3] - The current pipeline for off-label use includes azoles and allopurinol.
• Sadun EH (1955) [7] - In 30 out of 32 patients treated with chloroquine, there was a decrease or disappearance of Opisthorchis eggs in the stools.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date.

I couldn't find any information on an "obsolete" Opisthorchis felineus infectious disease. However, I can provide some general information on the differential diagnosis of Opisthorchis infections.

Opisthorchis viverrini and Opisthorchis felineus are two species of liver flukes that cause opisthorchiasis, a parasitic disease affecting humans. The symptoms of opisthorchiasis can be similar to those of other diseases, making differential diagnosis challenging.

Here are some possible conditions that may need to be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of Opisthorchis infections:

1. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, which can cause fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
2. Biliary tract disease: Conditions affecting the bile ducts, such as cholangitis or choledocholithiasis.
3. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
4. Gastrointestinal infections: Such as giardiasis, amoebiasis, or cryptosporidiosis.
5. Other parasitic diseases: Like fascioliasis (caused by Fasciola hepatica) or clonorchiasis (caused by Clonorchis sinensis).
6. Liver cancer: Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or metastatic cancer to the liver.

To make a differential diagnosis, healthcare providers may consider the following:

1. Clinical presentation: Symptoms and signs of opisthorchiasis, such as abdominal pain, fever, and eosinophilia.
2. Laboratory tests: Blood tests (e.g., complete blood count, liver function tests) and imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan).
3. Epidemiological factors: Exposure to contaminated water or food sources in endemic areas.
4. Physical examination: Inspection for signs of liver disease, such as hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).

If you have any specific questions about the differential diagnosis of Opisthorchis infections or would like more information on a particular topic, feel free to ask!