FASCIOLOPSIS BUSKI

a digenetic trematode that parasitizes intestines of humans and pigs

mode of transmission is by ingestion of encysted metacercariae on aquatic plants
or when the hull or skin of the fruits of these plants is peeled off between th
e teeth
DISEASE
Fasciolopsiasis
MORPHOLOGY
Adult
Dimensions: 20-75mm x 8-20mm
elongated, oval-shaped
Reproductive organs:
Two testes are dendritic and arranged in tandem in the posterior half
branched ovary lies to the right of the midline
other: vitellaria (fine)
does not have a cephalic cone
intestinal ceca are unbranched and reach up to posterior end
Egg
Indistinguishable from eggs of F.hepatica and F.gigantica
Large and operculated
Unembryonated at oviposition
Dimensions: 130-140um x 80-85um
LIFE CYCLE
Adult
lives in the duodenum, attached to the intestinal mucosa by its suckers
Egg
immature eggs are released together with feces
into the water
embryonates in the water and gives rise to miracidium in three to seven weeks
Miracidium
seeks out 1st intermediate host
1st intermediate host: snail (genus Segmentina or Hippeutis)
Sporocyst and Redia
miracidium transforms into sporocyst, which subsequently produces mother rediae,
daughter redia and finally cercaria
Cercaria
leave daughter redia and undergo development in
the snail tissues
cercaria emerge 7 weeks after initial infection
attach themselves on surfaces of seed pods, bulbs, stems or roots of various aqu
atic plants
2nd intermediate host: water caltrop (Trapa bicornis), water chestnut (Eliochari
s tuberose), water morning glory (Ipomea obscura), and lotus (Nymphaea lotus)
Metacercaria
encyst on the surface of water plants
excysts in the duodenum and attaches to the
intestinal wall where it becomes sexually mature in 3 months
Infective stage: metacercaria
Definitive host: Pigs and humans
PATHOGENESIS AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
Heavy infections: worms may be found throughout the
intestinal tract and cause obstruction
pathological changes caused by worms are traumatic, obstructive and toxic
inflammation and ulceration occur at site of worm attachment, produces an increa
se in mucus secretion and minimal bleeding
gland abscesses are occasionally formed
intoxication results from absorption of worm metabolites by host
patient experiences generalized toxic and allergic
Symptoms: edema of face, abdominal wall and lower limbs
profound intoxication can cause death
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
· detection of parasite eggs in stool
· Praziquantel
EPIDEMIOLOGY
· endemic in countries of SEA, China, Korea and India
· not endemic in the Philippines (yet)
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
metacercaria are very sensitive to drynessÀ excessive soaking of aquatic plant
s in water should be avoided
time between harvest and consumption could also be prolonged to prevent infectio
n
washing and boiling of plants to remove metacercaria