What causes Fasciolosis?

Fasciolosis is a parasitic worm infection caused by the common liver fluke Fasciola hepatica as well as by Fasciola gigantica. The disease is a plant-borne trematode zoonosis, and is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). It affects humans, but its main host is ruminants such as cattle and sheep.

What is human fascioliasis?

Fascioliasis is an infectious disease caused by Fasciola parasites, which are flat worms referred to as liver flukes. The adult (mature) flukes are found in the bile ducts and liver of infected people and animals, such as sheep and cattle.

How are humans infected by Fasciola?

People usually become infected by eating raw watercress or other water plants contaminated with immature parasite larvae. The young worms move through the intestinal wall, the abdominal cavity, and the liver tissue, into the bile ducts, where they develop into mature adult flukes that produce eggs.

What are the symptoms of fascioliasis?

Symptoms and Signs of Fascioliasis Acute infection can cause abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, nausea, vomiting, intermittent fever, urticaria, malaise, and weight loss due to liver damage.

How can you prevent Fasciolosis?

Individual people can protect themselves by not eating raw watercress and other water plants, especially from Fasciola-endemic grazing areas. As always, travelers to areas with poor sanitation should avoid food and water that might be contaminated (tainted).

How do I know if I have flukes?

Untreated, infections may persist for up to 25–30 years, the lifespan of the parasite. Typical symptoms include indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. In severe cases, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea can occur.

How can fascioliasis be prevented?

Can sheep recover from liver fluke?

Affected animals tend to survive longer (7 to 10 weeks) despite considerable liver damage. Chronic disease occurs following the ingestion of low to moderate numbers of metacercariae (200 to 500) over prolonged periods. Presenting signs in sheep are weight loss and poor fleece quality, despite adequate nutrition.