What is Fasciola Hepatica?
Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that causes serious liver infections in humans and animals. Infection usually occurs when a person consumes raw aquatic vegetables or other aquatic plants contaminated by the parasite.
Well, this parasite then enters through the digestive tract, abdominal cavity, and liver tissue before reaching the bile duct. In the bile duct, the parasite grows into an adult worm that produces eggs.
Symptoms of Fasciola Hepatica
A person infected with this condition can experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:
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Abdominal pain
Fasciola hepatica causes abdominal pain, especially around the liver. When adult worms multiply in the bile duct, they can cause inflammation and swelling of the organ.
The body’s response to this infection can create a sensation of pain or discomfort localized to the abdominal area.
Infection can cause fever as the immune system reacts to the presence of the parasite.
The inflammatory process caused by parasites can increase body temperature in an effort to fight infection.
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Vomiting
Infected people may also experience nausea and vomiting. The inflammation and damage to the liver and bile ducts can affect digestive function and produce symptoms of gastric upset.
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Weight loss
The infection can also cause significant weight loss. This is because the parasite damages liver tissue, which is important in metabolism and digestion.
Disturbances in liver function can result in decreased appetite, poor nutrient absorption, and increased body metabolism.
Causes of Fasciola Hepatica
The main cause of this condition is consuming aquatic plants contaminated by the fasciola hepatica worm. In general, this parasite is released by snails as intermediate hosts.
These snails become infected after coming into contact with animal feces containing worm eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae inside the snail and are then released into the water.
Humans become infected when they consume contaminated aquatic plants without proper cooking or washing.
Fasciola Hepatica Risk Factors
Several factors that increase a person’s risk of being infected with this parasite include:
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Place of residence
Areas with certain geographical conditions, such as land suitable for the breeding of water snails (intermediate hosts of the parasite), can be an environment that supports the spread of this parasite.
Therefore, people living in such areas are more at risk of being exposed to parasites that can cause infections.
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Likes to consume aquatic plants
The habit of consuming raw aquatic plants without washing or cooking them properly can increase the risk of infection.
Aquatic plants growing in environments contaminated by animal waste can be a source of infection.
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Agriculture
A person who works in the agricultural sector, especially those who have direct contact with animals that can carry parasites, is more susceptible to infection.
Therefore, protection and cleanliness efforts in agricultural environments are very important to reduce the risk.
Diagnosis Fasciola Hepatica
Some steps to diagnose this condition include:
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Clinical examination
A doctor needs to perform a clinical examination to diagnose Fasciola hepatica.
This process involves evaluating the symptoms the patient is experiencing and finding out their medical history.
Physical examination also aims to look for signs that indicate Fasciola hepatica infection, such as abdominal pain and liver swelling.
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Blood test
In addition to performing a physical examination, the doctor may also request a blood test.
Through this examination, doctors can detect antibodies or antigens that are specific to the Fasciola hepatica parasite.
The body’s immune response to the presence of parasites can be detected in the patient’s blood sample.
This blood test helps establish a diagnosis and provides additional information about the severity of the disease.
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Imaging tests
Imaging tests, such as liver ultrasound, can be used by doctors to see a clearer picture of damage or changes to organs, especially the liver.
Ultrasonography helps identify lesions or structural changes in the liver and bile ducts due to parasitic infection.
This examination also helps evaluate the severity of the infection and helps the doctor determine the appropriate treatment.
Fasciola Hepatica Treatment
Treatment for Fasciola hepatica infections generally uses antiparasitic drugs, such as triclabendazole.
This drug works by interfering with the parasite’s nervous system and metabolism.
In this way, the growth and reproduction of adult worms and larvae can be inhibited.
But remember, the use of this drug is not arbitrary and must be under the supervision of a doctor.
You can’t just get it anywhere and it can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
The dosage and duration of treatment need to be adjusted to the patient’s health condition and the severity of the infection.
During the treatment process, the doctor will also monitor regularly to ensure the treatment is effective.
Complications of Fasciola Hepatica
Untreated infections can lead to serious complications, such as:
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Liver fibrosis
Fasciola hepatica can cause liver fibrosis due to adult worms that multiply in the bile duct. This process can stimulate a chronic inflammatory response.
As a result, the production of connective tissue (fibrosis) increases as the body attempts to heal itself.
Over time, this accumulation of connective tissue can replace normal liver tissue, causing loss of elasticity and normal function of the organ.
Severe liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver experiences significant structural damage and loses its ability to function properly.
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Bile duct obstruction
Infection by Fasciola hepatica can cause obstruction of the bile duct because the multiplying adult worms can infiltrate and accumulate in the duct.
Accumulation of these worms can block the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestine, resulting in bile duct obstruction.
This obstruction can lead to increased pressure in the bile duct and impaired liver function.
Ultimately, this condition can lead to more severe liver damage.
In addition, bile duct obstruction can also cause clinical symptoms such as jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale feces.
Prevention of Fasciola Hepatica
You can take the following steps to prevent fasciola hepatica infection:
- Ensure aquatic plants are cooked or washed well before consumption.
- Reduce contact with aquatic snails, especially in areas known to be breeding grounds for parasites.
- Public education on risks and preventive measures to help reduce the spread of parasites.
When to See a Doctor?
Immediately see a doctor if you experience the symptoms of fasciola hepatica as mentioned previously.
The sooner it is treated, the risk of liver damage can be prevented.
