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
Chronic stage.
In this stage, mature worms may cause adverse effects as they excrete their metabolic waste in the liver and bile. This may lead to blocking of the bile duct and inflammation.
Parasites in the liver cause significant global morbidity and mortality, as they can lead to recurrent cholangitis, cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer. Due to climate change and globalisation, their incidence is increasing, especially in Europe.
Other parasitic infections such as visceral leishmaniasis, malaria, cryptosporidiosis or toxoplasmosis can also affect the liver, however, they usually cause a systemic inflammation and are hence not the main focus of this review.
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. ), itching, diarrhea, and weight loss.
This is true for species of three parasite genera of global importance, Ascaris, Schistosoma and Plasmodium, which cause significant global morbidity and mortality. Interestingly, these parasites all incorporate the liver in their life-cycle.
Ova and parasite (O&P) stool examinations for liver fluke eggs is the only available way to diagnose Clonorchis infection. More than one stool sample may be needed to identify the eggs.
Common global water-related diseases caused by parasites include Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), and giardiasis. People become infected with these diseases when they swallow or have contact with water that has been contaminated by certain parasites.
As to organ parasites, their life-threatening courses are pointed out: amebiasis in the intestine, liver, lung and brain, toxoplasmosis in the brain, lung and heart muscle, including the danger for the child of a pregnant woman with an acute infection, West African sleeping sickness with encephalitis, the East African ...
Some parasites go away on their own, especially if you have a healthy immune system and maintain a balanced diet. However, talk to a healthcare provider if you have signs of a parasitic infection. They can make an official diagnosis and help prevent the spread of the parasite to others.
small, white worms in your poo that look like pieces of thread. extreme itching around your anus, particularly at night.
Parasites usually enter the body through the mouth or skin. Doctors diagnose the infection by taking samples of blood, stool, urine, sputum, or other infected tissue and examining or sending them to a laboratory for analysis.
persistent upper abdominal pain, usually with nausea and vomiting. The usual locations of the pain are the epigastric and periumbilical regions. The pain may radiate to the back, chest, flanks, and lower abdomen.
Some, but not all, parasitic infections can be detected by testing your blood. Blood tests look for a specific parasite infection; there is no blood test that will look for all parasitic infections.
Over the last few years we have all become aware of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar but did you know this fermented apple cider can also work as an effective worm treatment for our four-legged friends.
Why? Most people do not know they are infected or at risk, or don't have access to appropriate care. And often, health care providers are unfamiliar with these parasitic infections, and may not diagnose or treat them appropriately.
Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Inflammation is swelling that occurs when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can damage organs. Researchers have discovered several different viruses link that cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
Hydatid disease, or cystic echinococcosis, is a parasitic infection caused by a tapeworm. It can cause cysts to grow in your liver and other organs. The infection is common in rural, underdeveloped areas where people raise livestock. Hydatid disease is rare in North America.
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. Although the worms that cause schistosomiasis are not found in the United States, people are infected worldwide. In terms of impact this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease.