Parasites of the liver: A global problem?

Parasitic liver diseases can be caused by trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, and protozoa. This pathology is significant because millions of people in different parts of the world have liver parasites, which can manifest themselves in the development of inflammation, liver cysts, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis and liver cirrhosis that are often threatening their lives. The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers three species of trematodes, Schistosoma haematobium, Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis, to be carcinogens. Complex modern examination methods, in some cases including extensive screening of large populations, are required for diagnosing liver parasites. Treatment of parasitic liver diseases is differentiated and can involve a combination of surgical and therapeutic measures. There is no doubt that the clinical and epidemiological scale allows one to regard parasitic liver diseases as a global healthcare problem.