By Trend News Line 2024-06-01 00:00:00.
Liver flukes, particularly C. sinensis, O. viverrini, O. felineus, and Metorchis spp., are causing fatal liver cirrhosis and are considered an emerging public health issue globally, especially in Southeast Asia. These flukes reside in the hepatobiliary system and are known to be carcinogenic, as they are linked to the development of CCA in humans. Despite extensive efforts to control and manage hLF infections, the burden of food-borne trematode infections is on the rise and being reported in new areas.
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A recent survey conducted in Bangladesh revealed that 18.7% of locally farmed and wild-caught fishes were infected with the larvae of hLFs. Additionally, a study on small indigenous fishes (SIF) found that FZTs, including hLFs, were prevalent in 66.2% of the selected SIF. While hLF infections have not been reported in humans in Bangladesh yet, neighboring countries like Thailand, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and others have reported cases.
Various species of wild and cultured fishes belonging to different families were found to be infected with the larvae of liver flukes, indicating their significant role as second intermediate hosts in the life cycle of hLFs in Bangladesh. Cyprinid fishes, in particular, are known to be primary sources of human infections in many Southeast Asian countries.
C. sinensis is highlighted as the most important species among hLFs due to its public health impact. In countries like China and Republic of Korea, several species of fishes have been identified as second intermediate hosts of C. sinensis. O. viverrini, on the other hand, predominantly infects cyprinoid fishes, with prevalence rates varying across different regions in Southeast Asia.
The study also found that wild and cultured fishes pose an equal risk to human health, as both can be contaminated with the larvae of hLFs through various means like water contamination with eggs from infected hosts. The entire fish, including gills and flesh, was found to be important for infection, with discarded gills being picked up by fish-eating mammals and birds, contributing to the transmission of infection.
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Molecular validation of species using PCR-RFLP analyses confirmed the presence of C. sinensis and O. viverrini in the fishes tested. Bioinformatic analyses and phylogenetic studies further validated the species and identified close relationships with isolates from other countries.
In conclusion, the prevalence of liver flukes in fishes in Bangladesh highlights the need for effective control measures to prevent the spread of these parasites and protect public health. Awareness among consumers, proper hygiene practices, and stringent monitoring of fish populations are essential to combat the rising threat of hLF infections in the region..
Zoonotic human liver flukes in freshwater fishes genetic analysis and confirmation of molluscan vectors and reservoir hosts in Bangladesh, Infectious Diseases of Poverty, genetic analysis and confirmation of molluscan vectors and reservoir hosts in Bangladesh.
