Human Fascioliasis in Shropshire

Abstract

Five patients with fascioliasis presented with malaise, pruritus, and pain in the right hypochondrium. Eosinophilia, increase in serum gamma globulin, and pyrexia were other features. Four patients treated with oral bithionol recovered completely and it is suggested that this is an effective form of therapy. The double diffusion precipitin test, being speedy and simple, was used as a screening procedure for diagnosis. The source of infection was wild watercress growing in a farm ditch.