Parasite
Clonorchis sinensis
Chinese liver fluke from raw freshwater fish
kloh-NOR-kis sih-NEN-sis
High-yield clue
Raw freshwater fish transmission, adults living in the bile ducts, and a chronic link to cholangiocarcinoma are the core clues.
Overview
The Chinese/oriental liver fluke acquired from raw or undercooked freshwater fish, a classic study model for bile-duct trematode infection and its cancer association.
Classification
- Trematode (fluke)
- Adults reside in bile ducts
- Snail first host, freshwater fish second host
- Small operculated eggs
Lab & identification clues
- Small operculated eggs with shoulder/knob vocabulary
- Eggs identified on stool examination
- Biliary imaging concepts
Associations
- Raw/undercooked freshwater fish consumption
- Biliary obstruction and cholangitis vocabulary
- Chronic infection linked to cholangiocarcinoma
- East/Southeast Asia distribution
Commonly confused with
- Fasciola hepatica
- Paragonimus westermani
Frequently asked questions
What is Clonorchis sinensis?
The Chinese/oriental liver fluke acquired from raw or undercooked freshwater fish, a classic study model for bile-duct trematode infection and its cancer association.
What are the lab clues for Clonorchis sinensis?
Lab clues for Clonorchis sinensis include Small operculated eggs with shoulder/knob vocabulary, Eggs identified on stool examination, and Biliary imaging concepts.
What is Clonorchis sinensis commonly confused with?
Clonorchis sinensis is commonly confused with Fasciola hepatica and Paragonimus westermani.
Original student-study summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment, dosing, or specimen-handling guidance.