Fasciolopsis buski is commonly called the giant intestinal fluke, because it is an exceptionally large

parasitic fluke, and the largest known to parasitise humans. Its size is variable and a mature specimen
might be as little as 2 cm long, but the body may grow to a length of 7.5 cm and a width of 2.5 cm. It is a
common parasite of humans and pigs and is most prevalent in Southern and Southeastern
Asia. Fasciolopsis buski generally occupies the upper region of the small intestine, but in heavy
infestations can also be found in the stomach and lower regions of the intestine. Fasciolopsis buski is the
cause of the pathological condition fasciolopsiasis.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom

Animalia

Subkingdom

Eumetazoa

Superphylum

Protosotomia

Phylum

Ecdysozoa

SubPhylum

Platyhelminthes

Class

Trematoda

Subclass

Digenea

Superorder

Epitheliocystidia

Order

Plagiorchiata

Superfamily

Echinostomatoidea

Family

Faciolidae

Genus

Fasciolopsis

Species

F buski

Fasciolopsis buski is a large, leafshaped, dorsoventrally flattened fluke

characterized by a blunt anterior end,
undulating, unbranched ceca (sac-like cavities
with single openings), tandem dendritic testes,
branched ovaries, and ventral suckers to attach
itself to the host. The acetabulum is larger than
the oral sucker. The fluke has
extensive vitelline follicles. It can be
distinguished from other fasciolids by a lack of
cephalic cone or "shoulders" and the
unbranched ceca.

What are the signs and symptoms of fasciolopsiasis?

Many people do not have symptoms from Fasciolopsis infection. However, abdominal pain and
diarrhea can occur 1 or 2 months after infection. With heavy infections Fasciolopsis flukes can cause
intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Allergic reactions and swelling of
the face and legs can also occur -- and anemia may be present.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fasciolopsiasis in Humans

Diagnosis is made by microscopic identification of eggs or (rarely) adult flukes in the stool or vomit. The
eggs, however, are indistinguishable from those of Fasciola hepatica. Microscopic images of both the
egg the adult can be found in the morphology section. Fasciolopsiasis can be treated with the following
drugs:
Praziquantel(Biltricide): 25 mg/kg body weight orally three times daily. Side effects include epigastric
pain, dizziness, and drowzyness, but the drug is quickly metabolized by the host and side effects subside
within 48 hours. This drug has not yet been approved by the FDA for treatment of fasciolopsiasis (it is
only approved for treatment of clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, and schistosomiasis).
Niclosamide(Niclocide): Taken orally in tablet form - 2 g for adults, 1.5 g for children over 34 kg, and 1 g

for children under 34 kg. Tablets should be given in the morning on an empty stomach and must be
chewed well and swallowed with water.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Prevention can be easily achieved by:
immersion of vegetables in boiling water for a few seconds to kill the infective
metacercariae(infective stage),
avoiding the use of feces ("nightsoil") as a fertilizer, and maintenance of proper sanitation
good hygiene.
Additionally, snail control should be attempted.