Chinese liver fluke

The Chinese liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis, is a parasitic flatworm that infects the bile ducts of the liver in humans and other mammals. This infection, known as clonorchiasis, is common in parts of Asia, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan.1

Humans contract the parasite by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish that contain fluke larvae. These larvae develop in freshwater snails before infecting fish, and then humans. While some infections may be asymptomatic, others can cause indigestion, liver tenderness, and jaundice. Heavy infestations can affect the pancreas and gallbladder, leading to abdominal fluid accumulation and toxicity. Diagnosis is typically made by examining stool for eggs, though it can be complicated by similarities to other liver fluke eggs. Treatment involves anthelmintic drugs like praziquantel or albendazole. Prevention focuses on thoroughly cooking all freshwater fish.1