Human fascioliasis in Shropshire

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Fascioliasis is a parasitic liver disease caused by Fasciola species.
• Clinical presentation can include gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and eosinophilia.
• Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the clinical presentation of fascioliasis in five patients.
• To evaluate the efficacy of oral bithionol as a treatment for fascioliasis.
• To assess the utility of the double diffusion precipitin test in diagnosing fascioliasis.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case series of five patients with fascioliasis.
• Treatment administered: oral bithionol.
• Diagnostic tool: double diffusion precipitin test.
• Epidemiological investigation to identify the source of infection.

Main Results:

• Patients presented with malaise, pruritus, right hypochondrium pain, eosinophilia, elevated serum gamma globulin, and pyrexia.
• Four out of five patients treated with oral bithionol achieved complete recovery.
• The double diffusion precipitin test proved to be a rapid and simple diagnostic method.
• Infection was traced to consumption of wild watercress from a farm ditch.

Conclusions:

• Oral bithionol demonstrates significant efficacy in treating human fascioliasis.
• The double diffusion precipitin test is a valuable tool for rapid fascioliasis screening.
• Wild watercress contaminated by Fasciola eggs is a potential source of human infection.