Fascioliasis, also called fascioliasis, is a parasitosis caused by the parasite Fasciola hepatica, and more rarely Fasciolaa gigantic, found in the bile ducts of mammals, such as sheep, cows and pigs, for example.
Fasciola hepatica infection is rare, however, it can occur by ingestion of water and plants contaminated with the infectious form of this parasite, because eggs released into the environment hatch on contact with water, the released miracle grows in the snail until it reaches the infectious form and is released and then grown into the infectious form called metcercial , leaving not only contaminated water, but also aquatic plants, such as watercress, for example.
- It is important that diagnosis and treatment are done quickly.
- Because the parasite is not suitable for the human body.
- Symptoms can be quite severe.
- Treatment should be done with Albendazole.
- Bitionol and Deidroemetine.
A is transmitted to humans by eating raw water or vegetables containing metacercaris from this parasite.Another possible but rarer method is to eat raw liver meat from infected animals and contact with the snail or its secretions.
This parasite has a life cycle that involves the infection of intermediate and definitive hosts, and this occurs according to the following steps:
After about 2 months, the parasite moves to the bile ducts, develops in the acute phase, multiplies and lays eggs, which are released into the stool and a new cycle can begin.
The symptoms that fasciolosis can cause may be different in each case, depending on the stage and intensity of the infection, as well, in the acute disease that occurs during the migration of the parasites, within the first 1 to 2 weeks after infection, symptoms such as Fever, abdominal pain and inflammation of the liver.
Already when parasites lodge in the bile ducts, the infection becomes chronic, inflammation of the liver can occur, causing signs and symptoms such as weight loss, recurrent fever, enlarged liver, fluid buildup in the abdomen, anemia, dizziness and shortness of breath..
In some cases, inflammation of the liver can lead to complications, such as bile duct obstruction or cirrhosis of the liver.Liver cancer is not a direct complication of Fasciola liver infection, however, liver carcinoma is known to be more common in people with cirrhosis of the liver.
The diagnosis of fasciolosis is suspected by the doctor based on the clinical assessment and observation of the habits of the affected person, such as raising animals or eating raw vegetables. Tests that can confirm infection include the identification of eggs in the stool and immunological blood tests.
In addition, ultrasound or ctography of the abdomen can help identify parasites in the bile tree, as well as identify areas of inflammation and fibrosis.Learn more about liver tests.
The treatment of fascioliasis is guided by the doctor and includes the use of antiparasitic drugs such as Bitionol for 10 days on alternate days, Deidroemetine for 10 days or Albendazole, although serious side effects associated with the use of this antiparasitic have been reported.
If there are already complications in the liver, such as cirrhosis or blockage of the ducts, follow-up with the hepatologist will need to be followed up, who will indicate ways to prolong liver health and, if necessary, indicate a type of surgery to correct the blockages.
To prevent Fasciola hepatica infection, it is recommended to decontaminate raw vegetables well before eating them and always use clean water for consumption, in addition, it is advisable to avoid eating raw meats.
It is also important that livestock breeders and other animals be careful with their feeding and carry out treatment, if infected, to prevent worms from remaining in the environment.