Abstract
Fasciolosis (fascioliasis) is an important parasitic disease of both animals and humans, caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. These liver flukes have a complex life cycle involving freshwater snails as intermediate hosts, with infection occurring through ingestion of metacercariae on contaminated vegetation or water. The disease is widely distributed, particularly in regions with wetlands or irrigated pastures that favor snail populations. Clinical outcomes range from acute liver damage during the migratory phase to chronic biliary disease, anemia, and impaired productivity in livestock. Diagnosis is based on coprological, serological, and molecular methods, with copro-antigen and antibody-based assays showing improved sensitivity. Control relies mainly on triclabendazole, although increasing drug resistance highlights the urgent need for integrated management strategies, including snail control and vaccine development. This review summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and control of fasciolosis, emphasizing recent progress and persisting challenges in both veterinary and human contexts.
Keywords
Control, Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Fasciola gigantica, Fasciola hepatica, Fasciolosis