The liver is the second largest organ of the human body after skin. Like other organs, it is also susceptible to diseases. Out of all the causes behind liver damage, one is due to parasitic infection. Parasites affecting the liver are collectively referred to as liver flukes. Liver infections caused by liver fluke parasites is a major concern in some parts of the world like Southeast Asia, Far East and Eastern Europe. Liver flukes that commonly cause infection are Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola hepatica and Opisthorchis species. Discussed below are the parasitic infections of the liver caused by each one of them in detail.
Parasitic Liver Infections
Clonorchiasis
This infection is caused by Clonorchis sinensis or the Oriental liver fluke. The parasite affects the distal bile ducts of the biliary system. The main reason behind transmission of this parasite to human body is intake of raw or undercooked fish. The infection can also lead to bile duct carcinoma which can further result into cirrhosis of the liver. Southeast Asian people are more prone to this infection as they consume a lot of raw and undercooked fish in the form of sushi, in their diet.
Symptoms
- Hepatomegaly
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
Treatment
Any person showing the following symptoms should be taken to a doctor so that medical treatment can be immediately started before any major damage occurs in the body. The doctor prescribes diagnostic tests to confirm the infection after which, he prescribes broad spectrum anthelmintics to the patient which can control a wide range of parasites. In cases where flukes have turned into adults, medications are not sufficient. Hence, surgical procedures are carried out to remove the fluke from the body. In patients with suspected strongyloidiasis, empiric treatment is given to improve the condition of the patient.
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