Opisthorchiasis

Opisthorchiasis, also known as the liver fluke disease, is an infectious parasitic disease caused by the fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini. It is a major public health problem in Southeast Asia, and is spread by contaminated food or water. Symptoms include abdominal pain, biliary obstruction, fever, and enlargement of the liver and gallbladder. The disease can be treated with medication, however, if it is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, it may lead to life-threatening conditions such as liver cancer. Opisthorchiasis is also of great concern due to the association of its causal agent with the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. The disease can be prevented by avoiding contaminated food and water and through regular public health screening programmes.