An update on human echinostomiasis.

Abstract

Echinostomiasis, caused by trematodes belonging to the family Echinostomatidae, is an important intestinal foodborne parasitic disease. Humans become infected after ingestion of raw or insufficiently cooked molluscs, fish, crustaceans and amphibians, thus, understanding eating habits is essential to determine the distribution of the disease. Despite the public health impact of echinostomiasis, it has been neglected for years. Traditionally, echinostomiasis has been considered as a minor disease confined to low-income areas, mainly in Asia. However, the geographical boundaries and the population at risk are currently expanding and changing in relation to factors such as growing international markets, improved transportation systems, new eating habits in developed countries and demographic changes. These factors make it necessary to improve our understanding of intestinal trematode infections. Herein, we review the main features of human echinostomiasis in relation to their biology, epidemiology, host-parasite relationships, pathogenicity, clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment and control.