Fasciolopsiasis: An emerging foodborne disease

ABSTRACT Foodborne diseases are recognized as significant cause of morbidity and mortality in susceptible populations. These diseases are observed both in developing as well as in developed countries of the world. Globally, about 6.7 million people are infected with intestinal flukes. Fasciolopsiasis is an emerging foodborne disease that is endemic in Asian countries India including India. The source of infection is exogenous, and ingestion is the primary mode of transmission. Humans become infected by ingesting metacercariae on the aquatic plants. The clinical symptoms in affected persons depend on the burden of parasites. The demonstration of characteristic eggs in stool confirms the diagnosis of disease. The treatment of Fasciolopsisbuski can be done with antihelminthic drug-like praziquantel. The health education of the people in endemic areas on the importance of consuming boiled aquatic plants, such as water chestnuts, and water caltrops and also avoiding the use of raw sewage for irrigation of fields is highly imperative.

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Keywords:

Fasciolopsiasis, Fasciolopsisbuski, Foodborne, Helminth, Pig, Public health

INTRODUCTION