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Clonorchis sinensis, also known as the eastern liver fluke, is a common parasitic worm in Asia that can cause jaundice, fever, and digestive problems. It is transmitted through the consumption of undercooked freshwater fish and can be treated with antiparasitic medication. Cooking fish thoroughly and practicing good hygiene can reduce the risk of infection.
Clonorchis sinensis is a parasitic worm native to Asia. It is sometimes referred to by the common name “eastern liver fluke”. It is one of the most common causes of parasitic infection worldwide, affecting residents and visitors in regions such as China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Japan. When infection with this parasite is identified by a doctor, it can be treated with antiparasitic medications that will kill the worms and stop their life cycle in the body.
The life cycle of Clonorchis sinensis begins with a free-floating egg in fresh water. The egg is consumed by a snail and once inside the snail hatches and matures. The flounder then burrows out of the snail and into the water, where it can search for a new host. Freshwater fish are preferred hosts for parasites, which burrow into the body before encapsulating themselves. This capsule is a key part of the fluke survival strategy.
When infected fish are eaten by humans, if the fish is not fully cooked, the flukes survive intact. Normally the gastric juices would kill the Clonorchis sinensis, but thanks to the capsule the parasites are able to survive until they reach the intestine. From there, they enter the bile ducts of the liver and start producing eggs. People shed the eggs in their feces and some of the eggs make their way into the water supply to start the cycle all over again.
People infected with Clonorchis sinensis experience symptoms such as jaundice, fever, chills and stomach pains. Some people develop complications such as digestive problems and biliary obstruction. A doctor can diagnose Clonorchis sinensis infection with the assistance of a stool sample in which eggs can be identified. Because the eggs of different parasites look similar, a doctor may also order a tissue sample to identify adult flukes in the liver.
The risk of Clonorchis sinensis infection can be greatly reduced by making sure all freshwater fish are thoroughly cooked. A number of other parasites inhabit fish that are found in fresh water and even in areas where Clonorchis sinensis is rare, it is still a good idea to cook the fish all the way through. Marine fish are less prone to parasitic infections, and fans of Asian cuisine may notice that raw or rare fish dishes are made with marine fish species. It is also advisable to observe other hygiene precautions including thorough washing of hands and utensils after handling raw fish.
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