Unveiling the Unexpected: Two Rare Cases of Human Fasciola hepatica Infection
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CASE REPORT
E-PUB
8 January 2026

Unveiling the Unexpected: Two Rare Cases of Human Fasciola hepatica Infection

Mediterr J Infect Microb Antimicrob. Published online 8 January 2026.
1. Bitlis State Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Bitlis, Türkiye
2. Bitlis Eren University, Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Bitlis, Türkiye
3. Bitlis State Hospital, Internal Medicine, Bitlis, Türkiye
No information available.
No information available
Received Date: 01.09.2025
Accepted Date: 08.12.2025
E-Pub Date: 08.01.2026
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Abstract

Fascioliasis is a parasitic zoonotic infection caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Although herbivorous mammals such as cattle, sheep, horses, and buffalo serve as primary hosts, humans can act as accidental hosts. Human infection typically occurs through ingestion of watercress or other aquatic plants contaminated with larvae from water sources in areas where these animals graze. Clinical manifestations include fever, right upper-quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and eosinophilia. Diagnosis relies on a combination of parasitological, laboratory, and imaging investigations, which can be challenging. Nevertheless, treatment with the antihelminthic drug triclabendazole is effective and straightforward. Here, we report two cases of human fascioliasis identified during the evaluation of abdominal pain, highlighting the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of liver lesions accompanied by eosinophilia in endemic regions.

Keywords:
Fasciola hepatica, fascioliasis, antihelminthic, triclabendazole