Clonorchis

Definition

Clonorchis is a genus of liver flukes, most notably Clonorchis sinensis, which infects the liver, gallbladder, and bile duct in mammals. It is commonly transmitted through the ingestion of undercooked or raw freshwater fish.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clonorchis sinensis is also known as the Chinese liver fluke.
2. Humans become infected by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish containing metacercariae.
3. The adult flukes reside in the bile ducts and can cause clonorchiasis, leading to symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly.
4. Diagnosis often involves identifying eggs in stool samples using microscopic examination.
5. Control measures include proper cooking of fish and improving sanitation to prevent contamination of water sources.

Related terms

Fasciola:

A genus of parasitic liver flukes that primarily infects the livers of various mammals.

Schistosoma:

A genus of trematodes, commonly known as blood flukes, responsible for schistosomiasis.

Opisthorchis:

A genus of liver flukes similar to Clonorchis that also infects the bile ducts and liver in humans.