Is Fasciola hepatica parasitic?
Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection typically caused by Fasciola hepatica, which is also known as “the common liver fluke” or “the sheep liver fluke.” A related parasite, Fasciola gigantica, also can infect people.
Is Fasciola hepatica a rare human parasite?
Fascioliasis is a rare parasitic infection primarily of the hepatobiliary system caused by one of 2 digenean flatworms, Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica, which are commonly referred to as liver flukes. [1] F. gigantica lives mainly in tropical climates while F. hepatica is found in temperate climates.
Is liver fluke a parasite?
Liver flukes are parasites that can infect humans and cause liver and bile duct disease. There are two families of liver flukes that cause disease in humans: Opisthorchiidae (which includes species of Clonorchis and Opisthorchis) and Fasciolidae (which includes species of Fasciola).
Where is Fasciola gigantica found in the body?
Fasciola gigantica is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Human cases have been reported in parts of Asia and Africa, as well as in Hawaii and Iran. “Intermediate forms” have been reported from areas, particularly in Asia, where both F. hepatica and F.
How do you get rid of Fasciola hepatica?
Triclabendazole. Triclabendazole, a benzimidazole compound active against immature and adult Fasciola parasites, is the drug of choice for treatment of fascioliasis. In February 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved triclabendazole for treatment of fascioliasis in patients at least 6 years of age .
How can you prevent Fasciola hepatica?
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 you know if you have liver flukes?
Symptoms of Fluke Liver Infections At first, liver flukes may cause no symptoms, or depending on the type and severity of the infection, they may cause fever, chills, abdominal pain, liver enlargement, nausea, vomiting, and hives. Fasciola flukes are more likely to cause these symptoms.
How is Fasciola hepatica treated?
How is Fasciola hepatica prevented?
What kind of animal is the Fasciola hepatica?
The trematodes Fasciola hepatica (also known as the common liver fluke or the sheep liver fluke) and Fasciola gigantica are large liver flukes ( F. hepatica: up to 30 mm by 15 mm; F. gigantica: up to 75 mm by 15 mm), which are primarily found in domestic and wild ruminants (their main definitive hosts) but also are causal agents
Which is an intermediate host for Fasciola hepatica?
At least 20 snail species have been identified as intermediate hosts for one or more Fasciola spp. Snail species may differ with respect to their suitability to serve as intermediate hosts for F. hepatica versus F. gigantica; host ranges for both Fasciola spp. are a subject of ongoing research.
How long does it take for Fasciola hepatica to become an adult?
In humans, maturation from metacercariae into adult flukes usually takes about 3–4 months; development of F. gigantica may take somewhat longer than F. hepatica. Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica are primarily parasites of domestic and wild ruminants (most commonly, sheep, cattle, and goats; also, camelids, cervids, and buffalo).
What kind of worms can cause fascioliasis in humans?
Fascioliasis is caused by Fasciola hepatica and less often by F. gigantica, which are flat worms classified as liver flukes (trematodes). Some human cases have been caused by hybrid species.