Seminal Characteristics, Sperm Morphology, and Reproductive Organ Morphometrics of Kano Brown Bucks Fed Diets Containing Pleurotus ostreatus-Biodegraded Sugarcane Scrapings

Biomedical Sciences | Data analysis | https://doi.org/10.47262/SL/14.2.132026220

Foodborne Human Fascioliasis in Pakistan: A Review

Muhammad Tanveer Munir 1,2*, Muhammad Imran Rashid 3*, Hafiza Joham Asghar 3, Talia Missen Tremori 2, Muhammad Waseem Akhter 4, Tahreem Khalid 5, Michel Federighi 1,2

1 Anses, Food Safety Laboratory, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France

2 EnvA, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, HQSA, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France

3 Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

4 Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics, University of Okara, Okara, Pakistan

5 MTM Sci Tech, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France

Abstract

Human fascioliasis is a neglected parasitic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Understanding geographical prevalence and environmental contamination is critical for effective risk assessment, prioritization, and mitigation of biological hazards. This literature review aims to synthesize the dynamics of foodborne transmission, the geographical distribution, and the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Pakistan. The included studies (n=13), all from the Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, investigated Fasciola spp. in humans (n=6), vegetables (n=4), and water (n=3). The pooled prevalence in humans based on stool microscopy was 0.73% (95% CI: 0.61% - 0.88%), and up to 23% of the population was seropositive, depicting a high exposure to this parasite. The burden of fascioliasis in Pakistan was estimated to be at least 36,000 disability adjusted life years (DALYs). The prevalence varied based on geographic, demographic, diagnostic, and socioeconomic factors. Vegetable contamination at 1.92% (95% CI: 1.26-2.91%) was mostly higher in leafy vegetables. Water contamination with parasitic larvae or eggs varied across sources, including 1.6% in tap water, 10% in tube wells, 8% in open wells, 6% in a pond, and 10.7% in water drains. Overall, the literature indicated that fascioliasis is endemic in Pakistan, with disparities in geographical prevalence and research focus. The analysis presented here will move a step closer to guiding researchers, public health professionals, and policymakers in evidence-based decision-making in resource allocation, surveillance, and targeted control measures to reduce fascioliasis burden in Pakistan.