FASCIOLIOSIS

Synonym
Hepatic distomiasis
Etiology
Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica.
Liver flukes are acquired by eating raw vegetables. (Water cress is classic).
Sheep & Cattle are reservoirs.
F. hepatica – Europe, America (specifically the south and west), Australia – more temperate
areas.
F. gigantica – Asia and Africa – more tropical areas.
2.4 million people are infected every year.
This is mostly seen in the developing countries
In India in 1997 a case of Fascioliasis was reported from Assam. (Narain et al).
In India, a species called F. jacksoni was described in elephant
Life Cycle

Clinical Manifestation
Fever, hepatomegaly, and eosinophilia in endemic area suggests fascioliasis.
Symptoms and signs are associated with biliary obstruction and cholangitis.
Acute epigastric pain, pruritus, and jaundice are common
Worms in human infections may be frequently found in ectopic foci.
In Animals.
Disease of herbivores. Sheep most susceptible followed by Cattle.
Acute form:
Destroying hepatic tissues, haemorrhages, hematomas, periferal inflammation.
In massive infection Sheep may die.
Chronic form.
Progressive anaemia, weakness, loss of appetite, jaundice
Submandibular edema i.e. bottle jaw.
Diagnosis
Stool examination for eggs.
ELISA IgG serology >95% sensitive
Imaging
Treatment:
Triclabedazole drug of choice.
Artemether has been shown to be effective in a rat model of fascioliasis .
Nitazoxanide.