Current Understanding on Opisthorchiasis: A Neglected Tropical Helminthic Zoonosis

Helminthic zoonoses are significant from public health and economic point of view.Opisthorchiasis, caused by liver flukes from the Opisthorchiidae family, represents a significant global public health challenge, particularly in Southeast Asia.With an estimated 80 million individuals at risk, the primary transmission route is the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish harboring metacercariae.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the etiology, life cycle, transmission dynamics, clinical manifestations and epidemiological patterns of opisthorchiasis.The infection is primarily linked to severe hepatobiliary complications, including cholangiocarcinoma, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.Current diagnostic methods rely on stool examination for eggs and praziquantel remains the treatment of choice.Given the intricate life cycle involving freshwater snails and fish, effective control measures must focus on public health education, safe food practices and enhanced surveillance.