[Pathogenesis of chronic and residual opisthorchiasis]

This study has indicated that long-term preservation of complaints in patients with prior chronic opisthorchiasis may be due not only to morphological changes in the organ, but by the persistence of functional Opisthorchias antigens, which determines preserved sensitization that plays a leading role in the pathogenesis of chronic opisthorchiasis. Two types of outcomes may be identified in the patients who have been free from invasion and continue to complain in the chronic phase. One type is characterized by a long-term antigenemy in addition to preserved complaints. This outcome is more logically considered to be residual opisthorchiasis. The other including preserved complaints and none antigenemy may be regarded as sequels of prior opisthorchiasis.