Opisthorchis viverrini
(parasite)

Opisthorchis viverrini is a parasite infesting the bile ducts and belongs to the trematodes.

It occurs in South-East and East Asia as well as in India.

An O. viverrini infection is most often asymptomatic. Digestion problems and stomach pain may occur; chronic infections may cause cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts) and hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver). The disease is regarded as risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

Transmission mainly occurs via contaminated water and food.

For a successful inactivation of parasites, specific disinfectants effective against parasites are required.