Retrospective Analysis of Cases Diagnosed with Fasciola Hepatica Infestation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to raise awareness for Fasciola hepatica infestation to be included in the differential diagnosis by revealing the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings and patient presentation. METHODS: Demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings of 31 patients aged 18-90 years with Fasciola Hepatica infestation diagnosed by the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology between 01.01.2013 and 05.06.2022 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 31 cases, 21 (67,7%) were female, 10 (32,3%) were male, and the mean age was (40,6 +-21,1) years. All of the cases had abdominal pain complaints. When laboratory findings were examined, eosinophilia 29 (93,5%) was the most common abnormal finding. Fascioliasis suspicious lesion was observed in all cases by imaging methods. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The mean age of the cases in our study was 40,6 +-21,1 years, which was consistent with the literature. There was a history of living in rural areas in 20 (64,5%) cases. Imaging and laboratory findings were used for diagnosis. In our study, most of the cases were from the province of Van. Since watercress plant consumption is common in this region, it is thought that fascioliasis may be endemic in and around Van province. Living in this region; In cases with abdominal pain, weakness and eosinophilia, fascioliasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• fasciola hepatica
• liver
• watercress