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Fascioliasis is a foodborne infection caused by liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. The disease progresses through four phases; an initial incubation phase with little or no symptoms; an invasive or acute phase which may manifest with: fever, abdominal pain, , malaise, gastrointestinal symptoms, urticaria, anemia, jaundice, and respiratory symptoms.
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An estimated 2.4 to 17 million people are infected in more than 51 countries, 91 million are at risk worldwide. In Australia, human fasciolosis is very rare (only 12 cases documented) Several drugs are effective for fascioliasis, both in humans and in domestic animals.
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The drug of choice in the treatment of fasciolosis is triclabendazole, a member of the benzimidazole family ofanthelmintics.
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Nitazoxanide has been found effective in trails, but is currently not recommended