Which parasite commonly referred to as a liver fluke infects the liver of its mammalian host?

Which parasite commonly referred to as a liver fluke infects the liver of its mammalian host?

• A. Fasciola species
• B. Paragonimus species
• C. Diphyllobothrium species
• D. Hymenolepis species

Answer: (A)

Liver flukes are trematodes that mature in the liver and bile ducts of mammals. The classic liver fluke is Fasciola species (Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica); after ingestion, immature flukes migrate through the liver parenchyma and then reside in the bile ducts, causing biliary disease. This distinguishes them from the other parasites listed: Paragonimus species are lung flukes that inhabit the lungs; Diphyllobothrium species are fish tapeworms that live in the intestinal tract; Hymenolepis species are intestinal tapeworms. So, the organism described as infecting the liver and referred to as a liver fluke is Fasciola species.

Liver flukes are trematodes that mature in the liver and bile ducts of mammals. The classic liver fluke is Fasciola species (Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica); after ingestion, immature flukes migrate through the liver parenchyma and then reside in the bile ducts, causing biliary disease. This distinguishes them from the other parasites listed: Paragonimus species are lung flukes that inhabit the lungs; Diphyllobothrium species are fish tapeworms that live in the intestinal tract; Hymenolepis species are intestinal tapeworms. So, the organism described as infecting the liver and referred to as a liver fluke is Fasciola species.