Clonorchiasis is a zoonotic trematode infection caused by Clonorchis sinensis, a liver fluke whose life cycle involves humans, animal reservoirs, and two intermediate host species [1][3]. It is among the most important human liver fluke diseases within the Opisthorchiidae family [2].
Disease overview
Parasitic Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Clonorchiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis, which together with related Opisthorchiidae species infects approximately 25 million people worldwide [1][2]. The infection is concentrated in eastern Asia, southeastern Asia, and eastern Europe, where cultural and ecological factors sustain transmission [1][3]. Chronic infection is primarily linked to liver and biliary disorders, notably cholangiocarcinoma [1][3].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6
Chronic clonorchiasis is principally associated with liver and biliary tract complications, most significantly cholangiocarcinoma [1][3]. The infection is primarily related to hepatobiliary disorders rather than immediate acute manifestations [3].
Clonorchiasis mainly occurs in east Asia due to regional social-ecological systems and the cultural practice of eating raw freshwater fish [3]. Related liver flukes cause considerable public health burden across eastern Asia, southeastern Asia, and eastern Europe [1]. The precise distribution, exact number of infected individuals, and global disease burden remain unknown [3].
Transmission of Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, and Opisthorchis felineus is driven by an interplay of biological, cultural, ecological, economic, and social factors, and their complex life cycles involve humans, animal reservoirs, and two kinds of intermediate hosts [1]. Drug treatment is also useful in lowering transmission of these liver fluke infections [2]. Global and regional risk factors for infection and its transmission of clonorchiasis have been reviewed in the literature .
Control relies on preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel, typically paired with behavior change via information, education, and communication as well as environmental management [1][3]. Integrated strategies also include capacity building through intersectoral collaboration, and tribendimidine shows potential as an additional agent under further evaluation [1][3]. Novel approaches such as fish vaccines and biological control are under development [1].
- 1 Qian M-B et al. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis: epidemiology, transmission, clinical features, morbidity, diagnosis, treatment, and control. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2024 Mar 14. PMID: 38169283. doi: 10.1128/cmr.00009-23. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38169283/
- 2 Qian MB et al. Efficacy of drugs against clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Microbe. 2022 Aug. PMID: 35697047. doi: 10.1016/S2666-5247(22)00026-X. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35697047/
- 3 Qian MB et al. Clonorchiasis. Lancet. 2016 Feb 20. PMID: 26299184. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60313-0. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26299184/
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- 1F89.0
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Research Radar
Recent related research
mNGS and IL-5: potential early diagnostic clues for clonorchiasis before eosinophil rise — a case report
BMC Infectious Diseases
Identification of Clonorchis sinensis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood using next-generation sequencing in a patient with septic shock: a case report and literature review
Emerging Microbes & Infections
Prevention and improved management of serious neurological adverse events during praziquantel-based mass drug administration in a Taenia solium endemic area: Experiences from Madagascar
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Natural variables separate the endemic areas of Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini along a continuous, straight zone in Southeast Asia
Infectious Diseases of Poverty
Peer reviewed Open access Strong disease match Clonorchiasis
DOI 10.1186/s12879-021-06879-x ↗ Soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoa and Clonorchis sinensis infections in southeast China
BMC Infectious Diseases
Literature links are provided for discovery and do not alter or validate the surveillance series above.
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