Opisthorchis felineus
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Opisthorchis felineus, or cat liver fluke is a trematode parasite that infects the liver in mammals. It was first discovered in 1884 in a cat's liver by Sebastiano Rivolta of Italy. In 1891, Russian scientist K.N. Vinogradov found it in a human, and named the parasite a "Siberian liver fluke". In 1931, helminthologist Hans Vogel of Hamburg published a medical treatise describing the life cycle of Opisthorchis felineus .
The first "intermediate hosts" of the parasite are freshwater snails, the second "intermediate hosts" are freshwater fish, followed by the final host, which are fish-eating mammals such as felines and humans. It is estimated that 1.5 million people in Russia are infected with the parasite. Inhabitants of Siberia acquire the infection by consuming raw, slightly salted and frozen fish.
Opisthorchiasis ranges in severity from asymptomic infection to severe illness. Patient outcome is dependent on early detection and treatment.
Source: Opisthorchiasis felineus in Russia
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