Fascioliasis

Fascioliasis = Fasciola hepatica/gigantica in herbivorous mammal/human bile ducts; zoonosis. 20-60% cattle/sheep infection. Human = not ideal host → ectopic; acute (schistosomular peritoneal/hepatic invasion) + chronic (adult bile duct inflammation/hyperplasia).

Common Symptoms

Bacterial infection; chest pain; biliary cirrhosis; diarrhea; dyspnea; ascites; abdominal pain; constipation

Causes and Pathogenesis

Environmental (75%): hygiene. Dietary (25%): contaminated food/water. Life cycle: adult oviposition in bile ducts → feces → 22-26°C water 9-14 d → miracidium → Lymnaea snail → sporocyst/redia → cercariae → encyst on aquatic plants as metacercariae. Human ingestion → excyst in duodenum → intestinal wall → peritoneum → liver capsule (~48 h) → liver parenchyma 6 weeks → bile ducts → adult 4 weeks. ~20000 eggs/day; survival up to 12 years. Pathogenesis: schistosomular migration = hemorrhagic tracts/fibrinous peritonitis; adult = mechanical irritation/proline-induced epithelial hyperplasia → obstructive cholangitis/abscess/biliary cirrhosis.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Segregate pasture; separate drinking water; boil water; no raw aquatic plants.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.