Diagnosis and Treatment of Fasciolopsiasis in
Humans
Diagnosis is made by microscopic identification of eggs or (rarely) adult flukes in the
stool or vomit. The eggs, however, are indistinguishable from those of Fasciola
hepatica. Microscopic images of both the egg the adult can be found in the morphology
section. Fasciolopsiasis can be treated with the following drugs:
Praziquantel(Biltricide): 25 mg/kg body weight orally three times daily. Side
effects
include epigastric pain, dizziness, and drowzyness, but the drug is quickly metabolized by the host
and side effects subside within 48 hours. This drug has not yet been approved by the FDA for
treatment of
fasciolopsiasis (it is only approved for treatment of clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, and
schistosomiasis).
Niclosamide(Niclocide): Taken orally in tablet form - 2 g for
adults, 1.5 g for children over 34
kg, and 1 g for children under 34 kg. Tablets should be given in the morning on an empty stomach
and must be chewed well and swallowed with water.
