ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by Opisthorchis viverrini in relation to their etiology, biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, is a fishborne trematode species widely distributed in Southeast Asia. Consisting of two valid species: Opisthorchis viverrini and O. felineus, the trematode genus Opisthorchis is classified taxonomically. O. viverrini causes chronic inflammation around the biliary tract, with severe hyperplasia of the cholangiocytes that line the biliary tract proximal to the flukes. Praziquantel is the effective drug for treatment of fluke infections, including O. viverrini. Dosage varies according to the patient's condition and duration of administration. O. viverrini remains a major risk factor for the commonly fatal cholangiocarcinoma in Southeast Asia and especially in Northeast Thailand. Surgery is an effective treatment for early stage cholangiocarcinoma but is ineffective in the late stage. However, most patients receive their diagnosis very late, and are therefore untreatable.
