Fascioliasis is caused by two species of parasitic trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica) that mainly affect the liver. It belongs to the group of foodborne trematode infections and is a zoonosis, meaning an animal infection that may be transmitted to humans. Fascioliasis was first included in the World Health Organization report on NTDs (Neglected tropical diseases) in 2010.
Humans become infected by consuming raw plants that have been irrigated or contaminated with Fasciola larvae through exposure to unsafe water sources. Once ingested, the larvae migrate through the liver and bile ducts, causing tissue damage and inflammation.
In 2012, the prevalence of fasciolosis was 14% in 81 countries worldwide, 57.62 but in 2022, the prevalence of fasciolosis among 50 million people in countries around the world decreased to 4.5%.
The spread of fascioliasis is a public health concern. Fascioliasis is not considered a fatal disease, but it is considered a disabling disease. The World Health Organization estimates that fascioliasis causes 90,041 DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) per year, and causes losses of $3.2 billion in livestock and agricultural production worldwide.