From the Guidelines
Gallbladder parasites, such as liver flukes, typically cause symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, urticarial skin rash, and eosinophilia, and can be treated with praziquantel 25 mg/kg three times a day for 2–3 consecutive days. The symptoms of gallbladder parasites can vary depending on the type of parasite and the duration of infection. According to the UK guidelines for the investigation and management of eosinophilia in returning travellers and migrants 1, liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis spp.) can cause acute infection symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and urticarial skin rash, as well as chronic infection symptoms like asymptomatic hepatomegaly or biliary obstruction.
Some key points to consider when diagnosing and treating gallbladder parasites include:
- The prepatent period of liver flukes is 4 weeks, and the incubation period can range from 4 weeks to 25 years after infection 1
- The distribution of liver flukes includes East Asia, eastern Russia, SE Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe, Germany, and Italy 1
- The mode of transmission is through ingestion of raw/undercooked fresh-water fish, including lightly pickled, salted, or smoked fish 1
- Diagnosis is typically made through concentrated stool microscopy, and 10-40% of individuals may have eosinophilia 1
Treatment for liver flukes, as recommended by the guidelines, involves praziquantel 25 mg/kg three times a day for 2–3 consecutive days 1. It is essential to note that prevention of gallbladder parasites includes proper hygiene, thoroughly cooking food, and drinking clean water, especially when traveling to areas with poor sanitation.
From the Research
Gallbladder Parasites Symptoms
- The symptoms of gallbladder parasites can vary depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection.
- According to a study on gallbladder ascariasis 2, the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides in the gallbladder can cause acalculous cholecystitis, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Other symptoms of gallbladder parasites may include biliary colic, which is characterized by intermittent episodes of abdominal pain, particularly in the right upper quadrant 2.
- In some cases, the parasites can cause obstruction of the bile ducts, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools 3.
Diagnosis of Gallbladder Parasites
- The diagnosis of gallbladder parasites can be made using imaging techniques such as ultrasound and CT scans 4, 3.
- Ultrasound is often the initial imaging modality of choice, as it is non-invasive and can provide valuable information about the presence of parasites in the gallbladder and bile ducts 2, 4.
- CT scans can also be used to evaluate the extent of the infection and to identify any complications, such as obstruction of the bile ducts or perforation of the gallbladder 4.
Types of Gallbladder Parasites
- There are several types of parasites that can infect the gallbladder, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, and Fasciola hepatica 2, 3.
- Each type of parasite can cause different symptoms and complications, and the diagnosis and treatment of the infection will depend on the specific type of parasite involved 3.
- In some cases, the parasites can cause chronic inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, leading to long-term complications such as bile duct obstruction and gallbladder cancer 3, 5.