What is fascioliasis?
Fascioliasis or liver fluke is an infectious
disease. It is caused by parasites called Fasciola. These are flat worms found
in their adult state in the liver and bile ducts of infected human beings and
animals. Among animals, sheep and cattle are normally affected by this disease.
Generally speaking, liver fluke is known to affect livestock more than it does
human beings.
There are two Fasciola species that infect human beings. The major one of
the two includes the Fasciola hepatica. This is said to cause "the sheep
liver fluke" as well as the "the common liver fluke".
There is also a related species that infects human beings, which is known
as the Fasciola gigantica.
Which parts of the world can fascioliasis are
found?
Fascioliasis can be found in over 50 countries, and
these locations are known to have a sizable population of sheep or cattle. The
Fasciola hepatica is seen on all continents apart from Antarctica. The Fasciola
gigantica is common in most tropical areas. With the exception of Western
Europe, human fascioliasis is found in developing countries.
How does Fasciola infection in human beings take place?
Fasciola infection normally takes place when human beings
accidentally ingest the parasite. This usually takes place when you consume raw watercress as well as
other freshwater plants that may be contaminated.
You can also be infected by swallowing contaminated
water. You might either drink contaminated water or you may eat something that
has been washed with contaminated water.
Is Fasciola spread from one person (or animal) to
another directly?
No, you cannot get infected with Fasciola directly
from another person or animal If any eggs of this parasite pass through the
stool of an infected person or animal, they need to mature, and this only takes
place in certain kinds of freshwater snails and unfavorable environmental
conditions.
Under normal conditions, human beings tend to be
infected by consuming undercooked goat or sheep liver that may carry this
parasite.
What are the signs and symptoms of Fasciola
infection, and when do they begin?
Many people with fasciola don't ever feel ill. However, some
people experience illness when the parasite migrates from the intestine via the
abdominal cavity and liver. These symptoms may take place 4 to 7 days after the
infection begins, and may last for many weeks.
In some cases, when adult
flukes are in the bile ducts, symptoms can be experienced months or even years
after the onset of the infection. For example, blockage of the bile ducts may
take months or even years to start having effects. Clinical features associated
with the infection in general will include fever, eosinophilia, hepatomegaly,
malaise, and abdominal pain. It has been found by a number of doctors that the liver fluke can cause allergies and once removed allergies can go, giving the sufferer total relief.
How is Fasciola infection diagnosed?
Fasciola infection is diagnosed by stool examination. The microscopic diagnosis
will help to determine whether Fasciola eggs are present or not. Usually, more
than one specimen of your stool may be examined in order to locate a parasite.
Some blood tests also help to pinpoint the presence of a Fasciola infection. Alternatively Fasciola, Fasciolopsis Buski and the eggs can be detected with Bioresonance, this form of diagnostic is very swift and not invasive.
Is fascioliasis treatable?
Yes. Fascioliasis can be treated, and usually,
Triclabendazole is used for this purpose. It is an orally administered drug.
This treatment is largely largely successful. A number of herbal remedies have also been used successfully for thousands of years, such as Green Black Walnut Hull, Wormwood and Cloves.
Can Fasciola infection be prevented?
There is no vaccine available for preventing
Fasciola infection. However, you can simply prevent a Fasciola infection by
avoiding consumption of raw watercress and other water plants. This especially
refers to plants from endemic grazing areas.
When you travel to areas that have poor sanitation,
you must avoid consuming food and water that might be contaminated.
How can I find out if I have Fascioliasis?
You can request a blood test via your GP or a school for infectious disease in your country. A simple blood test from homw costs from £59 and can look for other parasite infections at the same time.
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