Treatment for Opisthorchiasis and its Clinical Manifestations

Abstract

Pisthorchiasis is a trematode (illness caused by infection with one of the liver fluke species Opisthorchis, which may be acquired by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish harboring infected metacercariae. In Laos and Thailand, the cost of medical care and lost revenue due to Opisthorchis viverrini is estimated to be about $120 million per year. Opisthorchis viverrini and other liver flukes infect the lowest and most destitute people in Asia. In the National Accreditation Organizations of neglected tropical diseases, opisthorchiasis is one of four trematode disorders (together with clonorchiasis, fascioliasis, as well as paragonimiasis). In many parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia, opisthorchiasis is still a significant public health issue. This article provides an overview of current advances in the clinical investigation and treatment of opisthorchiasis. Details on opisthorchiasis clinical symptoms, hepatobiliary illnesses or liver function, a community-based ultrasonography investigation, treatment effectiveness, and future research are addressed.