Current Therapeutic Strategies for Food Borne Trematodiases

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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.