Which are the causes of Fasciolosis?

Fasciolosis, also known as liver fluke disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the trematode parasites of the Fasciola genus. The two main species responsible for causing fasciolosis in humans and animals are Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. These parasites primarily infect the liver and can cause significant damage if left untreated.

Fasciolosis is primarily caused by the consumption of contaminated water or plants. The life cycle of the Fasciola parasites involves two intermediate hosts: freshwater snails and plants. The eggs of the parasites are excreted in the feces of infected animals and contaminate water sources such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. When the eggs come into contact with water, they hatch and release larvae called miracidia. These miracidia then infect specific species of freshwater snails, where they undergo further development.

Inside the snails, the miracidia transform into cercariae, which are released into the water. These cercariae can directly penetrate the skin of animals or attach themselves to aquatic plants, forming cysts known as metacercariae. When animals consume the contaminated water or plants, the metacercariae are ingested and migrate to the liver through the digestive system.

Once inside the liver, the parasites burrow through the liver tissue, causing inflammation, damage, and the formation of fibrous tissue. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. In severe cases, fasciolosis can result in liver failure and even death.

Factors that contribute to the spread of fasciolosis include poor sanitation, inadequate water treatment, and the presence of suitable snail intermediate hosts. Areas with a high prevalence of fasciolosis often have a combination of these factors, making it more likely for individuals to come into contact with contaminated water sources.

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of fasciolosis include ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation practices, and avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked aquatic plants. Additionally, regular deworming of livestock and monitoring of water sources can help control the spread of the disease.