Abstract
Introduction: Fascioliasis is an infectious disease caused by Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica. Fasciola hepatica mainly infects livestock, causing fascioliosis by settling in the biliary tract. Humans get infected through contaminated water or by consuming uncooked aquatic plants. While rare, fascioliasis remains a concern, even in developed countries. Turkey, particularly the Van region, is endemic for Fasciolasis, providing a suitable environment for the parasite. In this study, the clinical and laboratory findings of 37 patients diagnosed with fascioliasis categorized according to eosinophil count in Van city of Turkey are summarized.
Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 37 patients diagnosed with Fasciola hepatica infection. Patients were categorized based on their eosinophil count: normal (<500/mm3) and eosinophilia (≥500/mm3). Their laboratory data were analyzed separately.
Results: Between January 2017–February 2024, 37 patients (28 females, mean age 44±17 years) were diagnosed with Fasciolasis. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, fever, and right upper abdominal tenderness. Abnormal liver function tests were frequently observed in laboratory tests. Of the 37 patients, 20 had normal eosinophil counts, while 17 had eosinophilia. The diagnosis was confirmed via Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), live Fasciola hepatica parasites were found in the common bile duct. All patients were treated with triclabendazole, and live parasites were extracted during ERCP.
Conclusion: Peripheral eosinophilia is commonly observed alongside abdominal pain, fever, and liver enzyme elevation in fascioliasis. While eosinophil counts are usually <500/mm3, they can rise significantly. Parasitic infections, especially fascioliasis, should be considered a key cause of eosinophilia, especially in developing countries.
Keywords
Fasciola hepatica, Fasciolasis, Eosinophil, Parasites, Liver trematode, Parasitic infections