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| Opisthorchis felineus | |
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Platyhelminthes |
| Class: | Trematoda |
| Order: | Plagiorchiida |
| Family: | Opisthorchiidae |
| Genus: | Opisthorchis |
| Species: | O. felineus |
| Binomial name | |
| Opisthorchis felineus | |
Opisthorchis felineus, theSiberian liver fluke orcat liver fluke, is atrematodeparasite that infects theliver inmammals. It was first discovered in 1884 in a cat's liver bySebastiano Rivolta [it] ofItaly. In 1891,Russian parasitologist,Konstantin Nikolaevich Vinogradov [ru] (1847–1906)[2] found it in ahuman, and named the parasite a "Siberian liver fluke". In the 1930s,helminthologistHans Vogel ofHamburg published an article describing thelife cycle ofOpisthorchis felineus.[3]Felineus infections may also involve the pancreatic ducts. Diagnosis of Opisthorchis infection is based on microscopic identification of parasite eggs in stool specimens. Safe and effective medication is available to treat Opisthorchis infections. Adequately freezing or cooking fish will kill the parasite.
Distribution ofOpisthorchis felineus include: Spain, Italy, Albania, Greece, France, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Russia, Turkey, and Caucasus.[4]
The firstintermediate hosts of the parasite arefreshwater snails:
The second intermediate hosts arefreshwater fish:Leuciscus idus,Tinca tinca,Abramis brama,white-eye breamBallerus sapa,Barbus barbus,common carpCyprinus carpio,Blicca bjoerkna,Leuciscus idus,Alburnus alburnus,Aspius aspius, andcommon ruddScardinius erythropthalmus.[4]
The definitive hosts are fish-eating mammals such as dogs, foxes, cats, rats, pigs, rabbits, seals, lions, wolverines, martens, polecats and humans.[4]
It is estimated that 1.5 million people in Russia areinfected with theparasite. Inhabitants ofSiberia acquire the infection by consuming raw, slightly salted and frozen fish.[citation needed]
Opisthorchiasis, the disease caused byOpisthorchis felineus, ranges in severity from asymptomatic infection to severe illness. Patient outcome is dependent on early detection and treatment.[citation needed]
Human cases of opisthorchiasis may affect the liver,pancreas, and gall bladder. If not treated in the early stages, opisthorchiasis may causecirrhosis of the liver and increased risk ofliver cancer, but may be asymptomatic in children.[citation needed]
Two weeks after flukes enter the body, the parasites infect thebiliary tract. Symptoms of infection includefever, general felling of tiredness,skin rash, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Severeanemia and liver damage may also incapacitate the infected person for 1–2 months. Treatment of opisthorchiasis is generally with a single dose ofpraziquantel.[citation needed]