Beware of the Dangers of Liver Worm Infection

Even though they are small, the existence of heartworms should not be underestimated. This parasite can infect the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and cause various complications. Therefore, consider the following explanation to be aware of the dangers of liver worm infection.

Liver fluke infection usually occurs after eating food contaminated with liver worm larvae. After the food is digested, the larvae move from the intestine to the bile duct in the liver to multiply.

Recognize Types of Liver Worms

There are 2 types of liver worms that can enter the body and cause disease in humans, namely opisthorchiidae and fasciolidae.

Opisthorchiidae

There are 2 species of opisthorchiidae worms that most often cause liver worm infections, namely Clonorchis Sinensis which is commonly found in China and Opisthorchis viverrini which is commonly found in Southeast Asia.

Liver flukes infection of both species above can occur after eating fish, crab, shrimp, which are undercooked and contaminated by worm larvae. If left untreated, these infections can last up to 25-30 years.

Fasciolidae

Fasciolidae worms are the most common type of liverwort that infects the body. This type of worm is found on almost all continents, except Antarctica. Fasciolidae liver worm infection usually occurs after consuming watercress or other aquatic plants contaminated with liver worm larvae from sheep or cow dung.

Various Symptoms of Liver Worm Infection

The following are various symptoms of liver worm infection that need to be recognized:

• Stomach ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Fever

Over time, the worm larvae in the liver bile duct will become adult worms and clog up the bile ducts. This causes yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, itching, diarrhea, and weight loss.

If left untreated for a long time, liver flukes can cause complications, such as gallstone formation, pancreatitis, bile duct infections, and even bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma).

Management of Liver Worm Infection

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct questions and answers regarding the complaints experienced, medical history, and patient hygiene, as well as perform a physical examination. In addition, doctors also need some supporting examinations, such as:

• Stool sample examination, to see the presence of liver worm eggs in the feces
• Complete blood count, to check for antibodies to liver flukes
• Radiological examination, to check for damage to the liver and bile ducts associated with liver flukes

After the diagnosis is determined, then the doctor can carry out the following treatments:

Drugs

Prescribing medicines that are tailored to the type of liverwort infection. The purpose of this treatment is focused on removing liver worms from the body. Some of the common medications prescribed by doctors are:

• Triclabendazole, for fascioliasis infections.
• Praziquantel or albendazole, for clonorchiasis infection.
• Corticosteroids for patients with severe symptoms.

Operation

Surgical procedures are sometimes required when liver flukes block the bile duct or the patient has long-term complications, such as bile duct infection or bile duct cancer.

Liver fluke infection stems from a less hygienic lifestyle. Although the causes are simple, diseases caused by heartworms can be very complex and dangerous. Therefore, it would be better if liver fluke infection was prevented from the start.

As a preventive measure from liver worm infection, it is important that you remember to make sure that all the food you eat is thoroughly cooked, especially freshwater fish, crab, shrimp, and watercress. Also, avoid drinking river water or water with poor sanitary conditions.

If you experience some symptoms of liver worm infection, especially after eating fish or undercooked watercress, you should immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment.

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