Clonorchis [Clonorchis]

Description

Clonorchis is a genus of trematodes in the family Opisthorchiidae. The most well-known species within this genus is Clonorchis sinensis, commonly referred to as the Chinese liver fluke. These flukes are primarily found in fish-eating mammals, including humans, and are endemic to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Vietnam. Infection occurs through the ingestion of freshwater fish that harbor the infective larvae. Clonorchis sinensis is a major human pathogen because it causes clonorchiasis, which can lead to chronic inflammation of the bile ducts, gallstones, and even cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). The adult flukes reside in the bile ducts of the liver, and their lifecycle involves snails and fish as intermediate hosts.

Species

Opisthorchis felineus [Clonorchis felineus]

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Taxonomy