Unveiling the Unexpected: Two Rare Cases of Human Fasciola hepatica Infection

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Authors: Tayyar Tarcan, İbrahim Halil Şahin, Hatice Tetik Metin, Mahsum Kandemir
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Abstract

Fascioliasis is a parasitic zoonotic infection caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica.Although herbivorous mammals such as cattle, sheep, horses, and buffalo serve as primary hosts, humans can act as accidental hosts.Human infection typically occurs through ingestion of watercress or other aquatic plants contaminated with larvae from water sources in areas where these animals graze.Clinical manifestations include fever, right upper-quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and eosinophilia.Diagnosis relies on a combination of parasitological, laboratory, and imaging investigations, which can be challenging.Nevertheless, treatment with the antihelminthic drug triclabendazole is effective and straightforward.Here, we report two cases of human fascioliasis identified during the evaluation of abdominal pain, highlighting the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of liver lesions accompanied by eosinophilia in endemic regions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Helminth infection and control Parasites and Host Interactions Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
Mediterranean Journal of Infection Microbes and Antimicrobials
Publication date
8 January 2026
Language
EN