Metorchiasis is a rare disease caused by the parasite Metorchis conjunctis (pictured above), which is transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw fish infected with the parasite. Metorchis, or the North American river fluke, is found from South Carolina to Greenland. The primary intermediate host is a snail, while the second intermediate host is the sucker or some related fish. Cats, red foxes, wolves, and humans are definitive hosts. Humans with metorchiasis present with abdominal pain, fever, headache, and eosinophilia 1 to 15 days after ingestion of raw fish. Without treatment chronic inflammatory symptoms rarely develop in the liver and pancreas. Diagnosis is made by identification of eggs in the stool. Praziquantel is used for treatment.
Class: TrematodaSubclass: Digenea
Order: PlagiorchiidaFamily: OpisthorchiidaeGenus: Metorchis