Fecal egg output in relation to worm burden and clinical features in human opisthorchiasis

A study of the relation of fecal egg excretion to worm burden and clinical features was carried out in 45 opisthorchiasis patients who had no signs of biliary obstruction. The fecal egg excretion was consistent and correlated with the worm burden. Although there was no definite association between clinical signs and intensity of infection, mild hepatomegaly and thickened wall or dilatation of the gallbladder were found more commonly in heavily infected patients. Eosinophilia was observed more often than previous reports. Concomitant parasitic infections were found in 82% of the patients. After praziquantel treatment, egg counts increased greatly during the first few days then decreased to very low levels in 7 days.