Abstract
Food-borne trematodiases are among the neglected tropical diseases caused
due to liver flukes (Clonorchissinensis, Fasciolagigantica, Opisthorchis vivernii), lung
flukes (Paragonimus spp.) and intestinal parasitic flukes (Echinostoma spp.) infections
and is an emerging public health problem. They are mostly found in developing
countries and in areas where they are present, they aggravate poverty. However, they
are no longer being neglected because of their broad geographical distribution, a wide
range of infected people, and measures available to control several neglected tropical
diseases. WHO estimates that every year two million people are suffering from
disability and death due to these neglected diseases. The treatment of food-borne
trematodiases, a neglected disease, is important for preventing the progression of
clinical diseases and reducing the associated morbidity. In the present chapter, we will
discuss the food-borne trematodes’ life cycle, associated symptoms, diagnosis and
various strategies used in treating food-borne trematodiases. Currently used
chemotherapeutic drugs, their safety, therapeutic profile, and resistance developed are
summarized here. Furthermore, emphasis is given to developing a broad-spectrum
trematocidal drug with high safety and efficacy.