Fasciolopsiasis

Background

• Caused by the trematode Fasciolopsis buski, the largest intestinal fluke of humans
• Found in Asia and the Indian subcontinent, especially in areas where humans raise pigs and consume freshwater plants

Clinical Features

• Most infections asymptomatic or mild GI symptoms
• Heavier infections:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Ascites
  • Anasarca
  • Bowel obstruction

Differential Diagnosis

• See Abdominal pain, diarrhea, parasites

Evaluation

• Workup for alternative causes of symptoms and complications
• Definitive diagnosis made by visual examination of fluke in stool or emesis

Management

• Praziquantel 25 mg/kg TID x 3

Disposition

• Dependent on severity, most can likely be discharged

See Also

• Parasites