[Epidemiological studies on 121 case of human fascioliasis occurring during 25 years (author's transl)]

Epidemiological investigations in Haute-Vienne (France) showed the occurrence of 121 cases of human fascioliasis between 1955 and 1979. 39 cases were counted in Limoges and 82 cases in the other districts of Haute-Vienne with a higher number of cases located in the western districts of low altitude (under 300 m). Human cases occurred nearly through all the years, but they were more abundant on years with an important F. hepatica infection of cattle and sheep. The infected plants' ingestion occurred every month of the year with a maximum from november to February. 49 persons belonging to 24 families and 72 alone persons were affected with the disease. All the periods of age were concerned. The disease's distribution was essentially rural. The professions connected to cattle- and sheep-breeding were more frequent than all the other professions. Three species of plants were eaten: water-cress (116 persons), dandelion (4 persons), corn-salad (1 person). The significance of these observations is discussed.