We all know that unwashed hands, raw fish or poorly fried meat are dangerous for parasites, but we usually neglect safety rules, because what could be tastier than smoked river fish?How to avoid “acquaintance” with parasites that infect the liver?
What are Opisthorchiasis and Clonorchiasis?
Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis are terms used in medicine to describe the condition of people infected with a specific type of parasite.
Infections can be caused by three types of parasites:
- Clonorchis sinensis (Chinese coincidence).This parasite causes clonorchiasis.It is common in the eastern regions of China, South Korea, Taiwan and some regions of Vietnam.
- Opisthorchis viverrini (Opisthorchis viverini, squirrel fluke).This parasite causes opisthorchiasis.It is common in Thailand and Laos.
- Opisthorchis felineus (Opisthorchis felineus, cat fluke).This parasite causes opisthorchiasis.It is common in countries in Eastern and Western Europe.
It is estimated that more than 35 million people are infected with opisthorchiasis.In places where people live near rivers and frequently eat raw or undercooked fish, up to 75% of the total population is infected with opisthorchiasis.
Infection methods
You can become infected with these parasites by eating raw, undercooked, or undercooked fish that is infected with microscopic larvae (cysts) of these parasites.
Most often, people become infected through fish from the carp family: carp, crucian carp, roach, bream, tench, ide, sabrefish, dace, roach, gudgeon, minnow, asp, chebak, etc.
Many people think that it is safe to eat raw sea fish, but this is not the case.Yes, it is not opisthorchiasis, but other parasites may be present.Think several times before trying suspiciously cooked or undercooked fish, no matter how delicious it may be.
How do you recognize infected fish?
It is almost impossible to distinguish infected fish from uninfected ones because cysts of these parasites cannot be seen with the naked eye.So you shouldn't rely on being able to visually distinguish between healthy fish.
Is opisthorchiasis or clonorchiasis transmitted from person to person?
Unlike some other types of worms (e.g. pinworms), opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis are not transmitted from person to person.
Can you get opisthorchiasis or clonorchiasis in pets?
Pets can become infected with these parasites, but they are not transmitted to humans because the larvae in the bodies of aquatic fish and snails have to go through several stages of development.
Symptoms
These diseases are often asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that people rarely pay attention to.Because of this, they receive medical care late after complications arise.
However, there are signs worth paying attention to.2-4 weeks after infection with parasites, fever, abdominal pain, weakness, joint pain, diarrhea, nausea, facial swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, and an itchy rash on the skin may occur.In medicine, similar cases of the disease are referred to as the acute phase of opisthorchiasis.Similar symptoms can also be observed when infected with giardia and schistosomiasis.
The problem is that these signs are often attributed to food poisoning or other illnesses.
After the symptoms of the acute phase of opisthorchiasis pass, an infected person may periodically experience lethargy, abdominal discomfort (feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium), nausea, and loss of appetite.In medicine it is called the chronic phase of opisthorchiasis.These symptoms can persist for years.Many people get used to them and “live with them all their lives,” explaining them as “chronic pancreatitis or chronic cholecystitis.”
Complications
These diseases are dangerous due to their complications, such as:
- non-functioning gallbladder,
- cholecystitis,
- cholangitis,
- liver abscess,
- Gallbladder stones.
Remember that at the slightest suspicion or sign of a parasite infection, you should definitely see a doctor for testing and treatment.This will help prevent complications and improve your well-being.
diagnosis
To detect opisthorchiasis, your doctor may prescribe a stool test for parasite eggs and a blood test for antibodies to these parasites.
Treatment
Currently, drug therapy is used, which is prescribed by a general practitioner, gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist.
Unfortunately, re-infection with parasites can occur after treatment because our body does not develop immunity to them.Therefore, always think about preventive measures.
Prevention
- Do not eat raw or undercooked fish.Homemade smoked, lightly smoked, lightly salted and marinated fish are particularly dangerous.
- Cook or freeze fish thoroughly before eating.However, you must freeze carefully: -35°C or less for 15 hours;-40°C or less for 2 hours.
How do you cook fish correctly?
To destroy cysts of opisthorchiasis, clonorchiasis and other parasites, freshwater or marine fish (in pieces) must be heated to a temperature of at least 63 ° C.