laboratory diagnosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

During the acute phase of Clonorchiasis infection there may be:

• an elevation in levels of alkaline phosphatase, transaminase, and bilirubin levels.
• eosinophilia is a variable feature.

Abdominal x-ray:

• may demonstrate intrahepatic calcification.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and CT scanning:

• reveals dilatation of the peripheral intrahepatic bile ducts and occasional cholangiocarcinoma. Round filling defects several millimeters in diameter may be caused by adult worms.

The diagnosis of Clonorchiasis infection requires demonstration of the eggs in the faeces or the duodenal contents.