fascioliasis /fas′ē·ōlī″əsis/ [L, fasciola, little band; Gk, osis, condition] , infection by a liver fluke of the species Fasciola hepatica or F. gigantica. It is characterized by epigastric pain, fever, hepatomegaly, jaundice, eosinophilia, urticaria, and diarrhea. Fibrosis of the liver is a consequence of prolonged infection. It is acquired by ingestion of encysted forms of the fluke found on aquatic plants, such as raw watercress grown in water contaminated by sheep or cattle dung. The disease is prevalent in many parts of the world, including the southern and western United States. Incidence of infection has increased over the last 20 years. Bithionol or triclabendazole, given orally, is the usual treatment.
