Clonorchis sinensis, also known as the liver fluke, is a parasitic flatworm (trematode) that primarily infects the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder of humans. Infection occurs through the ingestion of raw or undercooked freshwater fish contaminated with the infective larvae.
. Mild cases are often asymptomatic, but in chronic infections, patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, indigestion, diarrhea, and hepatomegaly. Long-term complications include biliary obstruction, cholangitis, gallstones, and an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
. Detection of IgM indicates a recent or active infection, while IgG suggests a past or chronic infection. Early diagnosis helps guide appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of complications, improving patient outcomes, and also valuable for monitoring the efficacy of treatment.