Human Fascioliasis: Current Epidemiological Status and Strategies for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Control

• Main Authors: Caravedo MA, Cabada MM
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2020
• Subjects: fasciola hepatica; fasciola gigantica; diagnosis; treatment; epidemiology; triclabendazole; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Climate change
• Online Access: https://doaj.org/article/edca7587419245db9e98b9aa2543fcbb

Maria Alejandra Caravedo,1 Miguel Mauricio Cabada1,2 1Division of Infectious Diseases Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; 2Cusco Branch – Tropical Medicine Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, PeruCorrespondence: Miguel Mauricio CabadaDivision of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard RT 0435, Galveston, TX 77555, USATel [phone]Email [e-mail] of the Review: This review aims to critically assess current knowledge about the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of Fasciola infection in humans.Recent Findings: Fascioliasis is an emerging neglected zoonotic infection affecting the health and wellbeing of human populations. The burden of infection is unclear, and studies have shown the geographic expansion of fascioliasis in human and livestock likely related to climate change. The infection can be asymptomatic or present in acute or chronic forms. Regardless of the presentation, fascioliasis can be associated with long-term complications such as anemia and malnutrition. Early in the infection, antibody testing is the only tool available for diagnosis confirmation. In the chronic forms serology and stool microscopy are helpful. Other tests such as antigen detection and PCR-based methods including isothermal tests have shown promising results. Triclabendazole is the only drug available to treat Fasciola infection. However, reports of resistant infections in livestock and human threaten the clinical care and control of the infection in endemic areas.Summary: Fascioliasis is an emerging infection around the world with an uncertain burden. Lack of standardization of diagnostic testing and treatment alternatives hinder treatment and control of the infection.Keywords: Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, triclabendazole