Current RMA Instruments:
| 21 of 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 22 of 2025 |
Changes from previous Instruments:
ICD Coding:
- ICD-10-AM Codes: B66.0
Brief description
Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic infestation, involving liver flukes, of the biliary ducts, liver and gallbladder. While it can result in acute infection, it can also lead to bile duct obstruction, liver failure and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). It is acquired by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish in endemic areas (mainly Eastern and Central Europe as well as Southeast Asia).
Confirming the diagnosis
To establish the diagnosis, laboratory testing is often required. Microscopic detection of Opisthorchis eggs in stool specimens (common) or in bile fluid collected via duodenal aspiration (invasive and less common). Other serological and molecular tests can also support the diagnosis- e.g an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for detecting anti-Opisthorchis antibodies in the stool, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of parasite DNA in stool or bile samples.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- Opisthorchis viverrini infection
- Opisthorchis felineus infection
- Liver fluke infection
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Clonorchiasis *
* another SOP applies - the SOP has the same name unless otherwise specified
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Opisthorchiasis can often be asymptomatic. In mild or early cases (within 2-4 weeks of exposure), symptoms and signs may involve right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and/or fatigue. With longer term infections, the symptoms can be more severe, and hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and malnutrition may develop. Once the diagnosis is confirmed clinical onset can be backdated to when the symptoms first presented.
Clinical worsening
The prognosis of opisthorchiasis depends on the severity of the condition, duration of infestation and whether complications have developed. Most people recover fully if they are diagnosed and treated early with antiparasitic treatment. An inability to obtain appropriate clinical management therefore can worsen this condition.