Clonorchiasis: An emerging foodborne disease of public health concern

Foodborne diseases caused by multiple etiologic agents are prevalent worldwide affecting both sexes and all age groups. Clonorchiasis is considered as an emerging major foodborne disease of public health problem as about 35 million people are infected globally. It is a foodborne helminthic zoonosis of a greater socioeconomic importance in several countries of Asia. The disease is caused by Clonorchis sinensis, which is a trematode. The infection occurs by the consumption of raw or inadequately cooked fish contaminated with metacercaria of the parasite. The clinical spectrum of disease in humans depends on the burden of parasites. In severe infections, jaundice, cholangitis, ascites, cholecystitis, formation of gall stone, and gastrointestinal bleeding are observed. Maximum cases are observed in males than females, and infection is serious in elderly persons. The diagnosis of disease can be confirmed by parasitological technique. Presently, praziquantel is the drug of choice as it has shown high cure rates in endemic areas. The education campaigns regarding the consumption of properly cooked fish and avoidance of faecal matter to ponds as a fish food are practical strategies that may help to control the disease.