Clonorchiasis: an update

The ability of Clonorchis sinensis to cause severe hepatobiliary disease is illustrated by the case we have reported, in which biliary obstruction and hepatic fibrosis resulted from the pathologic process associated with chronic clonorchiasis. Immunodiagnostic tests are currently limited, and diagnosis, as illustrated by our case, relies on identification of the fluke, usually as the adult or egg stage in clinical specimens. Praziquantel has revolutionized therapy of this disease, but surgical drainage may be necessary to relieve biliary obstruction. Physicians caring for emigrants or travelers from the Clonorchis endemic belt need to be aware of the manifestations of clonorchiasis to enhance diagnosis and therapy.