High Prevalence of Human Liver Infection by Amphimerus spp. Flukes, Ecuador

Abstract

Amphimerus spp. flukes are known to infect mammals, but human infections have not been confirmed. Microscopy of fecal samples from 397 persons from Ecuador revealed Opisthorchiidae eggs in 71 (24%) persons. Light microscopy of adult worms and scanning electron microscopy of eggs were compatible with descriptions of Amphimerus spp. This pathogen was only observed in communities that consumed undercooked fish.

Keywords

• Amphimerus
• Ecuador
• South America
• liver fluke
• parasites
• trematoda