A 58-year-old Thai farmer with recurrent cholangitis develops an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Epidemiological study of his region attributes the excess cancer risk to infection with which organism?
- A Schistosoma japonicum
- B Fasciola hepatica
- C Opisthorchis viverrini ✓
- D Entamoeba histolytica
Correct answer: C. Opisthorchis viverrini
Explanation
Opisthorchis viverrini, the Southeast Asian liver fluke acquired from raw freshwater fish, chronically inflames the biliary tree and is a recognized cause of cholangiocarcinoma; Clonorchis sinensis plays a similar role in China and Korea. Schistosoma japonicum affects the portal vasculature without biliary tropism, Fasciola hepatica causes acute fascioliasis, and Entamoeba produces abscesses, none of which are established cholangiocarcinogens.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.