Echinostomiasis

Echinostomiasis is a group of helminth infections caused by trematodes of the genus Echinostoma. Echinostomiasis is common in the countries of Southeast Asia, where infection occurs by eating raw fish containing parasite larvae.

Echinostomiasis is caused by parasitic echinostomia worms, which belong to the class of trematodes. Humans are parasitized by the species Echinostoma ilocanum, E. revolutum, E. echinatum and others. Echinostome larvae (cercariae) develop in freshwater mollusks, from which they enter the body of fish and transform into invasive larvae - metacercariae. A person becomes infected by eating raw or poorly processed river fish.

In echinostomosis, the parasites are localized in the small intestine. The main clinical manifestation is diarrhea, possible abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight. Symptoms are usually mild due to the low intensity of the invasion. Diagnosis is based on the detection of helminth eggs in feces. Treatment consists of taking anthelmintic drugs, in particular praziquantel. Prevention of echinostomosis includes thorough heat treatment of fish before consumption.