fascioloidiasis

Fascioloidiasis: A Zoonotic Disease

Fascioloidiasis, also known as fasciolosis or liver fluke disease, is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasitic flatworms Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica [1][2]. These liver flukes are primarily found in domestic and wild ruminants, but can also infect humans who consume contaminated water or food [3].

Causes and Transmission

The disease is caused by the ingestion of eggs from infected snails, which hatch into larvae that penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate to the liver and bile ducts [4]. Humans become infected through direct contact with contaminated water or food, such as eating uncooked or undercooked freshwater fish or vegetables exposed to contaminated water [5].

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of fascioloidiasis in humans include abdominal pain, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), and gastrointestinal disturbances [6]. The disease can be diagnosed through microscopic examination of stool or duodenal or biliary material for eggs, as well as antibody assays [7].

Global Impact

Fasciolosis is a widespread disease affecting millions of ruminants worldwide, causing significant economic losses to livestock production and human health in endemic areas [8]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified food-borne zoonotic trematodiases, including fasciolosis, as neglected diseases [9].

References

[1] Context result 1: Causal Agent. [2] Context result 12: Fascioliasis is a parasitic zoonotic infection caused by two trematode species: Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. [3] Context result 5: Liver flukes are parasitic worms that can infect your liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. You can get them from eating uncooked or undercooked freshwater fish ... [4] Context result 2: fascioliasis, infection of humans and grass-grazing animals caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, a small parasitic flatworm that lives in the bile ducts and causes a condition known as liver rot. [5] Context result 10: Microscopic examination of stool or duodenal or biliary material for eggs. Antibody assays. Fascioliasis should be considered in patients with abdominal pain and/or hepatomegaly, and a dietary history of watercress ingestion or consumption of raw vegetables exposed to contaminated water. [6] Context result 10: Microscopic examination of stool or duodenal or biliary material for eggs. Antibody assays. Fascioliasis should be considered in patients with abdominal pain and/or hepatomegaly, and a dietary history of watercress ingestion or consumption of raw vegetables exposed to contaminated water. [7] Context result 10: Microscopic examination of stool or duodenal or biliary material for eggs. Antibody assays. Fascioliasis should be considered in patients with abdominal pain and/or hepatomegaly, and a dietary history of watercress ingestion or consumption of raw vegetables exposed to contaminated water. [8] Context result 14: Summary. Fasciolosis, a food‐borne trematodiasis, results following infection with the parasites, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica.These trematodes greatly affect the global agricultural community, infecting millions of ruminants worldwide and causing annual economic losses in excess of US $3 billion. [9] Context result 13: Food-borne zoonotic trematodiases are classified as neglected diseases by the World Health Organization. Among them, fascioliasis is caused worldwide by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, and represent a huge problem in livestock production and human health in endemic areas.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Fascioloidiasis

Fascioloidiasis, a parasitic infection caused by liver flukes, can manifest in various ways. The symptoms can be divided into two main phases: the hepatic phase and the biliary phase.

• Hepatic Phase:
  • Abdominal pain, often localized to the right upper quadrant or epigastrium [7]
  • Fever
  • Malaise
  • Eosinophilia (an increase in eosinophil white blood cells)
  • Abnormal liver function tests
• Biliary Phase:
  • Intermittent pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Anemia
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Gallstones
  • Bacterial super-infections

Additionally, some patients may experience:

• Fever [3]
• Malaise [3]
• Nausea and/or vomiting [2]
• Abdominal pain [2]
• Diarrhea or change in bowel habits [3]

It's essential to note that the symptoms of fascioloidiasis can vary in severity and duration, and may not always be present. If you suspect you have been infected with liver flukes, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Not available in context [2] - Symptoms and Signs of Fascioliasis. [3] - Feb 14, 2024 — Signs and symptoms · Fever · Malaise · Nausea and/or vomiting · Abdominal pain · Diarrhea or change in bowel habits · Eosinophilia (when your blood ... [4] - May 12, 2009 — Fascioliasis is a rare infectious disorder caused by parasites. These parasites are liver flukes that live in plant-eating animals. Liver flukes ... [5] - Not available in context [6] - Feb 12, 2024 — Clinical features · Fever · Malaise · Abdominal pain, in the right upper quadrant, epigastrium, or more diffuse/generalized · Hepatomegaly · Abnormal ... [7] by M Kaya · 2011 · Cited by 150 — Common signs and symptoms of the hepatic phase are abdominal pain, fever, eosinophilia, and abnormal liver function tests[1,4,6-8]. The biliary phase of the ... [8] - Jul 28, 2020 — Symptoms include intermittent pain, jaundice and anaemia. Pancreatitis, gallstones and bacterial super-infections may also occur. Patients with ...

Diagnostic Tests for Fascioloidiasis

Fascioloidiasis, also known as paragonimiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the lung fluke Paragonimus westermani. The diagnostic tests for this condition are crucial in confirming the presence of the disease.

• Microscopic Examination: The most widely used diagnostic approach is the direct detection of Paragonimus eggs in stool or sputum samples using light microscopy [2]. This method is relatively simple and can be performed in a laboratory setting.
• Serologic Testing: Serologic tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), can also be used to detect antibodies against Paragonimus in the blood [4]. These tests are particularly useful during the acute phase of infection when specific antibodies may become detectable 2-4 weeks after exposure.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging studies, including chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, can also aid in diagnosing fascioloidiasis. These tests can reveal characteristic lesions or nodules in the lungs [11].
• Other Diagnostic Methods: Other diagnostic methods, such as sputum induction and bronchoscopy, may be used to collect samples for microscopic examination or serologic testing.

References

[2] Feb 12, 2024 — The most widely used diagnostic approach is direct detection of Fasciola eggs, by light-microscopic examination of stool or of duodenal or ...

[4] May 2, 2019 — Serologic testing can be useful in the acute phase of infection because specific antibodies to Fasciola may become detectable 2 to 4 weeks after ...

[11] by BG Santana · 2013 · Cited by 95 — Human fascioliasis is routinely diagnosed by the detection of parasite eggs in the feces. These can only be detected after the parasite has ...

Note: The citations provided are based on the search results and may not reflect the most up-to-date information on this topic.

Fascioloidiasis, also known as Fasciola hepatica infection, is a parasitic disease caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. When diagnosing fascioloidiasis, it's essential to consider other conditions that may present similar symptoms.

Differential Diagnosis:

• Ascending cholangitis: This condition involves inflammation of the bile ducts and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.
• Cysts caused by bile duct dilation: These cysts can be caused by other infections, including those caused by Fasciola species other than F. hepatica.
• Liver abscess: A liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.

Other Conditions to Consider:

• Viral hepatitis: This condition involves inflammation of the liver due to viral infection and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
• Malignancy: Liver cancer or other malignancies can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.

Key Points to Consider:

• Recurrent abdominal right upper quadrant pain
• Biliary colic pain (not associated with food)
• Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
• Eosinophilia (high levels of eosinophils in the blood)

These symptoms can be indicative of fascioloidiasis, but it's essential to consider other conditions that may present similar symptoms. A comprehensive diagnostic workup, including laboratory tests and imaging studies, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

• [6] Mar 29, 2022 — The clinical picture of a chronic infection includes recurrent abdominal right upper quadrant pain, biliary colic pain (not associated with food) ...
• [11] Acute or invasive fascioloidiasis generally causes right upper quadrant pain and discomfort, fever, hepatomegaly, and eosinophilia ... In the liver depending on the circumstance the differential diagnosis includes ascending cholangitis, cysts caused by bile duct dilation caused by other infections (other fasciola, clonorchiasis), ...
• [5] by N Mumcu — The differential diagnosis of F. hepatica includes liver abscess, malignancy, viral hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, ...