Any of various species of flukes (flatworms) that infest the bile ducts in the liver. The only significant fluke in the UK is which causes the disease fascioliasis. Fascioliasis has 2 stages. During the first stage, young flukes migrate through the liver, causing it to become tender and enlarged; other symptoms include fever and night sweats. In the second stage, adult worms occupy the bile ducts. Their presence may lead to cholangitis and bile duct obstruction, which can cause jaundice. Treatment with an anthelmintic drug may be effective.
Liver fluke |
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