Opisthorchis felineus
Opisthorchis felineus or the liver fluke of the cat is a Parasite trematode which infects the Foie Mammifère S. It was discovered for the first time in 1884 in the liver of a cat by Sebastiano Rivolta in Italy. In 1891, Russian scientist K.N. Vinogradov found it at human, and gave to the parasite the name “ Siberian liver fluke ”. In 1931, the helminthologist Hans Vogel of Hamburg publishes a treaty of medicine describing the biological cycle Opisthorchis felineus .
Biological cycle
The first “ intermediate hosts ” of the parasite are Escargot S of fresh water, the second “ intermediate hosts ” are fresh water fish, follow-ups of the final hosts, mammals which eat fish such as the Félin S and the human ones. It is estimated that approximately 1,5 million people are infected by the parasite in Russia. The inhabitants of the Siberia contract the infection by consuming fish believed, slightly salted and frozen.
Symptoms
The Opisthorchiose, the disease caused by Opisthorchis felineus , is presented in several forms of which the degree of severity covers all the range which goes from the asymptomatic infection to the grave disease. The gravity of the attack of the patient depends on the precocity of tracking and the treatment.The human forms of the opisthorchiose can appear by an attack of the Foie, Pancréas, and Gall bladder. In the absence of early treatment, the opisthorchiose can cause a Cirrhose liver and increase the risk of Cancer liver, but it can be asymptomatic in the children.
Two weeks after the entry of the ditches in the body, the parasites infect the bile ducts. The symptoms of the infection are the Fièvre, an gastro-intestinal faintness general, cutaneous eruption, and disorders. A hepatic severe Anemia and lesions can also appear at the person infected during 1 to 2 months. Opisthorchiasis is generally treated by a single amount of praziquantel.
Sources:
Opisthorchiasis felineus in Russia
ProMED email: Opisthorchiasis, human - Russia (Vladimir)
ProMED email: Opisthorchiasis, human - Russia (Chelyabinsk)