What organ is primarily affected by Fasciola hepatica?

Fasciola hepatica, also known as the liver fluke, primarily infects the liver. This parasite is a trematode that typically resides in the bile ducts of the liver, where it can cause various hepatic issues. The infection often leads to a condition known as fascioliasis, which can result in hepatomegaly, cholangitis, and other complications due to the migration of the flukes and resultant inflammation in the liver tissue.

Given that the liver is the organ where Fasciola hepatica sets up its primary infection, it is crucial in understanding the pathology associated with this parasite. Infected individuals may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, and gastrointestinal disturbances due to the fluke's parasitic behavior in this specific organ. Understanding the life cycle and infection process of this trematode highlights why the liver is the primary target organ and emphasizes its importance in parasitology studies regarding Fasciola hepatica.