Co-infections with liver fluke and Helicobacter species: A paradigm change in pathogenesis of opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma?

- Opisthorchis/Helicobacter co-infection is central to opisthorchiasis.
- Opisthorchis is a reservoir of H. pylori.
- H. pylori may play key role in pathogenesis of opisthorchiasis-induced cholangiocarcinoma.

Infection with the fish-borne liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen: definitely carcinogenic in humans. Cofactors likely contribute to bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) caused by this infection. Here we review recent findings that address the role of liver fluke associated H. pylori in hepatobiliary disease and malignancy. We hypothesize that co-infection by O. viverrini and the bacillus Helicobacter pylori is central of liver fluke infection associated cholangiocarcinoma.

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