Opisthorchiasis
Opisthorchiasis (pronounced: oh-pis-thor-kye-uh-sis) is a parasitic disease caused by species in the genus Opisthorchis.
Etymology
The term "Opisthorchiasis" is derived from the Greek words "opistho" meaning behind and "orchis" meaning testicle, referring to the posterior location of the testes in the adult worms.
Definition
Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic disease caused by three species of trematodes, commonly known as flukes, specifically Opisthorchis viverrini, Opisthorchis felineus, and Clonorchis sinensis. These flukes are also known as liver flukes because they inhabit the liver of their host.
Transmission
The disease is transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish containing the infective stage larvae of the parasite.
Symptoms
Symptoms of opisthorchiasis can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to cholangiocarcinoma, a type of cancer of the bile ducts.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of opisthorchiasis is typically made through the identification of eggs in the stool or duodenal fluid of the infected individual.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves the use of the antiparasitic medication praziquantel.
Prevention
Prevention strategies include proper cooking of freshwater fish and improved sanitation to prevent contamination of water sources.
See also
- Parasitic diseases
- Trematodes
- Opisthorchis viverrini
- Opisthorchis felineus
- Clonorchis sinensis
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Praziquantel
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Opisthorchiasis
- Wikipedia's article - Opisthorchiasis
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