Liver flukes are found throughout much of Asia and Eastern Europe, infection 20 to 30 million people. Liver flukes have a very complicated life cycle. The eggs infect snails, where they hatch and grow. The flukes then leave the snail and infect the cyprinid fish where it remains until the raw or undercooked flesh is consumed by humans or another animal. The liver fluke can then fully mature inside its final host in the bile ducts, lay eggs and start the life cycle over. Most infections consist of fewer that 100 parasites, but up to 21,000 flukes have been observed in a single infection. Severity of symptoms can vary widely from asymptomatic to acute pain and enlargement of the liver. The disease is rarely fatal, but an infection opens the door for many more serious problems such as Salmonella and cancer.
Liver flukes are found throughout much of Asia and Eastern Europe, infection 20 to 30 million people. Liver flukes have a very complicated life cycle. The eggs infect snails, where they hatch and grow. The flukes then leave the snail and infect the cyprinid fish where it remains until the raw or undercooked flesh is consumed by humans or another animal. The liver fluke can then fully mature inside its final host in the bile ducts, lay eggs and start the life cycle over. Most infections consist of fewer that 100 parasites, but up to 21,000 flukes have been observed in a single infection. Severity of symptoms can vary widely from asymptomatic to acute pain and enlargement of the liver. The disease is rarely fatal, but an infection opens the door for many more serious problems such as Salmonella and cancer.