The double diffusion precipitin test in human fascioliasis

Cases of human infestation by Fasciola hepatica are not uncommon in Spain and other European countries. We report our experience with 20 patients diagnosed from 1982 to 1991 and present a critical review of published cases from western countries. Because F. hepatica has a special tropism for the liver, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and constitutional symptoms are among the most common manifestations of acute-stage fascioliasis. However, in the chronic stage, biliary colic and cholangitis are the predominant manifestations. The clinical spectrum of fascioliasis is variable, and patients may present with extrahepatic abnormalities, such as pulmonary infiltrates, pleuropericarditis, meningitis, or lymphadenopathy. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required to establish a correct diagnosis. Eosinophilia is the most frequent laboratory abnormality. The CT scan has become a useful technique in the diagnostic work-up. A definitive diagnosis may be established by the observation of parasite ova in the feces, but most cases may be diagnosed by serologic methods. Triclabendazole and bithionol are the most effective drugs against F. hepatica. The efficacy of praziquantel is controversial.

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Evolution of Fascioliasis after Eating Wild Watercress

Croese

Chapman

Gallagher

1982

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine

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Fascioliasis is rarely reported in humans although it is endemic in sheep and cattle. We describe the illness of a 60-year-old widow who ate wild watercress which is the usual source of infestation. Laparotomy for suspected liver abscesses revealed necrotic tracts on the surface of the liver left by the invasion of numerous flukes. Diagnosis was made during the latent phase by the detection of serum antibody to fasciola hepatica antigen obtained from a sheep. Symptoms returned during the cholestatic phase. Mature flukes were then present in the large bile ducts and ova appeared in the stools. Symptoms resolved twelve weeks after presentation.

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The double diffusion precipitin test in human fascioliasis

Cited by 5 publications

References 2 publications

Digenetic Trematodes

Digenetic Trematodes

Fascioliasis in Developed Countries: A Review of Classic and Aberrant Forms of the Disease

Evolution of Fascioliasis after Eating Wild Watercress

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