The life-cycle of Fasciolopsis buski closely matches that of Fasciola hepatica , in that the infectious metacercaria stage is usually found on aquatic plants such as water chestnuts, lotus roots and water bamboo. Large numbers of flukes may obstruct the flow of materials in the intestine. The human liver plays host to two major flukes, both of which live in the bile ducts. The flukes grow to around 30mm x 13mm and may end up blocking the bile ducts. This can lead to jaundice and other liver complications.
Complications are similar to that described for Fasciola hepatica .
Humans contract Clonorchis by eating the metacercaria in undercooked freshwater fish. The eggs of both Fasciola hepatica and Clonorchis sinensis are laid into the bile ducts and are eventually passed out with the faeces. The bile salts stain them a charateristic golden brown colour. The eggs of Paragonimus may be found in the sputum, or they may be swallowed and passed out with the faeces. At first glance, the schistosomes may appear to be nematodes - they have a long, apparently cylindrical body unlike any other fluke.