Common Name(s):
Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease
Alternative Names & Classifications:
Opisthorchiasis (CLINICAL), Opisthorchis Viverrini Infection (CLINICAL)
Description
Similar to Clonorchiasis, these flukes migrate directly to the biliary tree, where they anchor themselves to the ductal epithelium using oral and ventral suckers. The chronic mechanical irritation and inflammatory immune response cause persistent cholangitis and extensive scarring of the biliary system. It is deeply endemic in Southeast Asia and significantly increases the lifetime risk of bile duct cancer.