Intestinal absorption studies in Fasciolopsis buski infection.

The intestinal absorption of carbohydrate, fat, protein and vitamin B12, serum vitamin B12, serum and red cell folate levels were performed in 10 patients harbouring F. buski. No disturbance of carbohydrate, fat and protein absorption was observed but vitamin B12 absorption was found to be slightly lower than normal in 8 out of 10 patients, and serum vitamin B12 was also lower than normal in 4 out of 9 patients. Red cell and serum flolate levels were within the normal limits. Histological study of jejunal biopsy was normal in 7 out of 8 patients.