Fasciolopsiasis
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Fasciolopsiasis is an infection caused by the giant intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski, primarily affecting the intestines and causing symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Type
- Fasciolopsiasis is an infection caused by the large intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski. It is not a genetically transmitted disease; rather, it is acquired through the ingestion of water or food contaminated with the cysts of the parasite.
- Signs And Symptoms
- Most infections are light, almost asymptomatic. In heavy infections, symptoms can include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, anemia, ascites, toxemia, allergic responses, sensitization caused by the absorption of the worms' allergenic metabolites can lead to intestinal obstruction and may eventually cause death of the patient.
- Prognosis
- The prognosis for fasciolopsiasis, an intestinal parasitic infection caused by the giant intestinal fluke *Fasciolopsis buski*, is generally good if diagnosed and treated promptly. The condition responds well to antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel or triclabendazole. Without treatment, complications can arise, including malnutrition and intestinal obstruction. Early intervention typically leads to full recovery without long-term health issues.
- Onset
- Fasciolopsiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski. The onset of fasciolopsiasis typically occurs when an individual ingests contaminated water plants, such as water chestnuts, that harbor encysted larvae (metacercariae) of the parasite. Once ingested, the larvae excyst in the duodenum and attach to the intestinal wall, where they develop into adult flukes. Symptoms can appear within about 4 to 8 weeks after ingestion and may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, malnutrition, and, in heavy infections, intestinal obstruction or toxic reactions.
- Prevalence
- Fasciolopsiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski. It is prevalent in areas where people consume raw or undercooked aquatic plants, such as parts of Southeast Asia, including China, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Indian subcontinent. The exact prevalence can vary, but it tends to be higher in regions with poor sanitation and where these dietary habits are common.
- Epidemiology
- F. buski is endemic in Asia including China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. It has an up to 60% prevalence in worst-affected communities in southern and eastern India and mainland China and has an estimated 10 million human infections. Infections occur most often in school-aged children or in impoverished areas with a lack of proper sanitation systems.A study from 1950s found that F. buski was endemic in central Thailand, affecting about 2,936 people due to infected aquatic plants called water caltrops and the snail hosts which were associated with them. The infection, or the eggs which hatch in the aquatic environment, were correlated with the water pollution in different districts of Thailand such as Ayuthaya Province. The high incidence of infection was prevalent in females and children ages 10–14 years of age.
- Intractability
- Fasciolopsiasis, caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski, is generally not considered intractable. It can be effectively treated with anti-parasitic medications such as praziquantel. Early diagnosis and treatment usually lead to a full recovery.
- Disease Severity
- Fasciolopsiasis is generally considered a mild to moderate disease, but the severity can vary depending on the burden of infection and individual patient factors.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:888
- Pathophysiology
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Fasciolopsiasis is caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski.
**Pathophysiology:**
- **Ingestion:** Humans become infected by consuming contaminated water plants like water chestnuts, which carry the metacercariae (encysted larvae) of the parasite.
- **Excystation:** Once ingested, the metacercariae excyst in the duodenum and migrate to the small intestine.
- **Maturation:** The larvae develop into adult flukes, measuring around 2-7.5 cm in length, within the small intestine.
- **Attachment and Damage:** Adult flukes attach to the mucosa of the small intestine, causing local inflammation, tissue erosion, ulceration, and sometimes hemorrhage.
- **Clinical Manifestations:** Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, malabsorption, and intestinal obstruction in heavy infections.
Fasciolopsiasis is a parasitic disease that generally occurs in areas where proper water sanitation is lacking, and the consumption of raw or undercooked aquatic plants is common. - Carrier Status
- Fasciolopsiasis is caused by the trematode Fasciolopsis buski. Humans do not act as carriers; instead, they are definitive hosts where the adult worms reside in the intestines. Carrier status is not applicable as the lifecycle involves humans consuming contaminated water plants carrying metacercariae.
- Mechanism
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Fasciolopsiasis is caused by infection with the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski, which commonly infects humans and pigs. The mechanism of infection involves ingestion of metacercariae, the encysted larval stage of the parasite, commonly found on aquatic plants.
Upon ingestion, the metacercariae excyst in the upper intestine, releasing larvae that attach to the mucosal lining and mature into adult flukes. The adult flukes reside in the duodenum and jejunum, causing mechanical damage and inflammation as they feed on the intestinal lining and absorb nutrients.
From a molecular perspective, Fasciolopsis buski releases various enzymes and proteins that facilitate its evasion of the host immune response and aid in tissue invasion. Proteolytic enzymes, such as cysteine proteases, play key roles in degrading host tissues, allowing the parasite to establish and maintain its infection. Additionally, the parasite's surface proteins may interact with host cells to modulate immune responses and prevent effective immune clearance. These molecular mechanisms contribute to the parasite’s survival and pathogenicity within the host. - Treatment
- Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment. Treatment is effective in early or light infections. Heavy infections are more difficult to treat. Studies of the effectiveness of various drugs for treatment of children with F. buski have shown tetrachloroethylene as capable of reducing faecal egg counts by up to 99%. Other anthelmintics that can be used include thiabendazole, mebendazole, levamisole and pyrantel pamoate. Oxyclozanide, hexachlorophene and nitroxynil are also highly effective.
- Compassionate Use Treatment
- Fasciolopsiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the giant intestinal fluke, Fasciolopsis buski. Standard treatment typically involves antiparasitic drugs like praziquantel or triclabendazole. There is limited information on compassionate use treatments, off-label, or experimental treatments specific to fasciolopsiasis. If standard treatments are not effective or available, consulting an infectious disease specialist is recommended to explore potential alternative treatments.
- Lifestyle Recommendations
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For fasciolopsiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski, here are some lifestyle recommendations:
1. **Avoid Contaminated Water**: Do not drink or use untreated water from ponds, lakes, or streams that may be contaminated with the parasite.
2. **Clean Vegetables Thoroughly**: Especially wash and cook aquatic and other raw vegetables like water chestnuts, watercress, and morning glory, which might be contaminated with the parasite.
3. **Cook Food Properly**: Ensure that all food, especially aquatic plants, is adequately cooked to kill any parasitic eggs or larvae.
4. **Good Sanitation Practices**: Practice good personal hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
5. **Avoid Using Human Feces as Fertilizer**: Human feces should not be used as fertilizer for crops as it can spread the parasite.
By following these guidelines, you can help prevent fasciolopsiasis and maintain better overall health. - Medication
- Fasciolopsiasis is treated with the antiparasitic medication praziquantel. The typical dosage is 25 mg/kg taken three times a day for one day. Treatment effectively targets the adult flukes causing the infection.
- Repurposable Drugs
- Currently, there are no widely recognized repurposable drugs specifically for fasciolopsiasis. The standard treatment involves the use of anthelmintic medications such as praziquantel or niclosamide. These drugs are highly effective in eliminating the parasitic flatworm Fasciolopsis buski, the causative agent of fasciolopsiasis.
- Metabolites
- Fasciolopsiasis, caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski, does not have well-documented information on specific metabolites associated with the disease. This parasitic infection primarily affects the intestines and may lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. Studies on specific metabolic changes or metabolites directly resulting from Fasciolopsis buski infection are limited.
- Nutraceuticals
- Fasciolopsiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski. Currently, there is no strong evidence supporting the use of nutraceuticals (food-derived products with health benefits) for the treatment or prevention of fasciolopsiasis. The mainstay of treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel. Preventive measures include proper food hygiene practices, like thoroughly washing and cooking aquatic plants. Nanotechnology-based treatments (using nanoparticles) are not established for fasciolopsiasis.
- Peptides
- Fasciolopsiasis, an infection caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski, primarily affects the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption. There is no direct connection between fasciolopsiasis and the therapeutic use of peptides or nanotechnology as of current medical practices. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications such as praziquantel.