Clonorchiasis: Understanding the Liver Fluke Infection and Its Impact on Health
Clonorchiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis. It is primarily found in East Asian countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and parts of Russia. The infection is closely associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish contaminated with the parasite’s larvae, making dietary habits a significant factor in its spread. While often overlooked, clonorchiasis poses serious health risks if left untreated.
The life cycle of Clonorchis sinensis is complex, involving multiple hosts. Eggs excreted in human feces enter freshwater systems, where they hatch into larvae that infect snails. These larvae then develop into another stage that infects freshwater fish. Humans become infected when they eat these fish without proper cooking. Once inside the human body, the parasites migrate to the bile ducts of the liver, where they can survive for decades if untreated.