After years of careful study and self experimentation, in 1925, Claude Heman Barlow determined its life cycle in humans.

[4][5][6] Fasciolopsis buski is a large, dorsoventrally flattened fluke characterized by a blunt anterior end, undulating, unbranched ceca (sac-like cavities with single openings), tandem dendritic testes, branched ovaries, and ventral suckers to attach itself to the host.

Once ingested, the metacercariae encyst in the duodenum and attach to the jejunum and ileum of the intestinal wall.

The pathogenesis results in various symptoms including, but not limited to: In severe cases or with prolonged infections, there can be nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption caused by the intestinal damage.

However, due to intermittent egg shedding, multiple stool samples may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

The WHO recommends the Kato-Katz technique as the method of choice for fascioliasis diagnosis attending to its ease of use and reproducibility, and its enhanced sensitivity compared with the observation of eggs in fresh faeces.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or other serological tests can also help identify specific antibodies against Fasciolopsis buski antigens in the blood.

[8] Promoting proper hygiene, clean water sources, and safe food practices to prevent contamination by infective stages of the parasite.

Thoroughly cooking aquatic plants and ensuring proper washing and cleaning of vegetables and fruits to remove potential infective stages.

Educating communities about the risks of consuming contaminated water, raw or undercooked plants, and promoting awareness of the disease can also play a huge role in containing the spread of this parasite.

Researchers continue to explore different approaches and antigens for potential vaccine candidates.