Opisthorchis [Opisthorchis]

Description

Opisthorchis is a genus of parasitic flatworms, known as liver flukes, that belong to the family Opisthorchiidae. These flukes infect the livers of various vertebrates, including humans. The lifecycle of these parasites involves freshwater snails as the first intermediate host and fishes as the second intermediate host. Infection in humans occurs through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish that contain the larval stages of the parasite. Opisthorchis species, such as Opisthorchis viverrini and Opisthorchis felineus, are significant from a medical perspective because they can cause opisthorchiasis, which can lead to serious liver and biliary diseases.

Species

Southeast Asian liver fluke [Opisthorchis viverrini]

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Cat liver fluke [Opisthorchis felineus]

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Chinese liver fluke [Opisthorchis sinensis]

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Taxonomy