Liver flukes

Definition

Liver flukes are parasitic flatworms that infect the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder of various mammals, including humans. They are transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water or food.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Liver flukes belong to the class Trematoda within the phylum Platyhelminthes.
2. The two primary species that infect humans are Fasciola hepatica and Clonorchis sinensis.
3. Infection typically occurs through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish or plants.
4. Symptoms of infection can include abdominal pain, jaundice, and hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).
5. Diagnosis is often made by detecting eggs in stool samples or through serological tests.

Review Questions

Related terms

Trematoda: A class of parasitic flatworms known as flukes.

Fascioliasis:

A disease caused by infection with Fasciola hepatica, a type of liver fluke.

Clonorchiasis: An infection caused by Clonorchis sinensis, another type of liver fluke.