Liver flukes and kidney injury: systematic review of human and animal data (from 1950 to 2025)

Foodborne trematodes, particularly from families Opisthorchiidae and Fasciolidae, significantly impact human health. Research on trematode-related diseases has primarily focused on the hepatobiliary system and carcinogenic potential of these flukes. Nonetheless, chronic infection by these parasites likely affects other organ systems. This review emphasises the need to expand studies beyond the hepatobiliary system to fully understand the pathogenesis of liver fluke infections and advocates for a systematic approach to the management of affected humans. This review analyses scientific data from 1950 to 2025, including studies on laboratory animals, wild animals, and humans. Databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO, IARC, Rospotrebnadzor, and eLibrary were utilised. Common kidney injuries from trematode infections include glomerular and tubular damage, interstitial inflammation, and fibrosis. These injuries are influenced by liver damage and gut microbiome imbalances. Interspecies differences highlight the complexity of host-parasite interactions. Research indicates that foodborne-trematode-associated nephropathy exists in both humans and animals and involves immune complexes, oxidative stress, and biomarkers like KIM1. The documented renal damage underscores the need for further investigation into the mechanisms of the trematode-associated renal pathologies.