ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Pharmacol., 08 July 2026

Sec. Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Pharmacology

Volume 17 - 2026 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.1878617

Empirical therapy for hepatic lesions in suspected clonorchiasis: a comparative efficacy analysis of Albendazole and Praziquantel

  • 1. Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

  • 2. Department of Internal Medicine II, Guangzhou Guanggang New Town Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

  • 3. Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Panyu Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Abstract

Background:

Clonorchiasis frequently presents as intrahepatic space-occupying lesions, posing a diagnostic challenge due to the low sensitivity of fecal examination. While Praziquantel is the standard first-line therapy, Albendazole is often used empirically in suspected cases. However, the comparative efficacy of these two agents across different levels of diagnostic certainty (confirmed vs. suspected) remains poorly defined.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 151 patients with clonorchiasis-related hepatic lesions treated at our institution between January 2018 and December 2025. Patients were categorized into a Praziquantel group (n = 78) and an Albendazole group (n = 73). The primary outcome was clinical cure within 90 days, defined as symptom resolution, lesion reduction ≥50%, and normalization of eosinophil counts. Multivariable logistic regression and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were employed to evaluate the interaction between treatment regimens and diagnostic certainty.

Results:

The overall clinical cure rate was higher in the Praziquantel group (76.9%, 60/78) than in the Albendazole group (67.1%, 49/73), though the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 1.804, P = 0.179). Stratified analysis revealed that Praziquantel was significantly more effective in confirmed cases (90.0% vs. 62.5%, P = 0.047), whereas no significant difference was observed in suspected cases (68.8% vs. 68.4%, P = 0.971). The “Drug/times Diagnosis” interaction test showed marginal significance (P = 0.064). After adjusting for confounders, Albendazole showed similar clinical outcomes to Praziquantel (Adjusted OR = 0.665, 95% CI: 0.298–1.482, P = 0.318). GEE analysis confirmed a significant “Drug × Time” interaction (P < 0.001), indicating distinct kinetic patterns of recovery, with Praziquantel demonstrating a superior cure advantage over time. Age was identified as an independent predictor of clinical cure (P = 0.017).

Conclusion:

The efficacy of Albendazole in treating clonorchiasis-related hepatic lesions is modulated by diagnostic certainty. While Praziquantel remains the superior choice for confirmed cases, Albendazole demonstrates comparable clinical efficacy in stool-negative suspected cases. These findings indicate that Albendazole demonstrates similar lesion resolution to Praziquantel in stool-negative suspected cases. However, given the retrospective design, these results should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating, necessitating prospective trials for confirmation.

Introduction

Clonorchiasis, caused by the trematode Clonorchis sinensis, is a major foodborne parasitic disease and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (). Despite global control efforts, it remains a significant public health challenge in East Asia, particularly in Guangdong Province, China (). The Pearl River Delta (PRD) region maintains a high prevalence of infection due to the deeply entrenched cultural practice of consuming raw freshwater fish (; ). Pathologically, chronic infection triggers periductal fibrosis, biliary hyperplasia, and focal eosinophilic infiltration (FEI) (). These changes often manifest radiographically as intrahepatic space-occupying lesions, which can closely mimic the presentation of cholangiocarcinoma or metastatic tumors, leading to diagnostic confusion ().

The clinical diagnosis of clonorchiasis is significantly hindered by the low sensitivity of stool microscopy—the conventional diagnostic method—especially in patients with light parasitic loads or those suffering from biliary obstruction (). Consequently, false-negative results are frequent, leaving a substantial proportion of symptomatic patients without a parasitological diagnosis ().

Praziquantel is the established first-line treatment, demonstrating high efficacy against adult flukes; however, its effectiveness against juvenile stages is notably limited (). In real-world clinical settings, when faced with patients exhibiting hepatic lesions, peripheral eosinophilia, and a clear history of raw fish consumption—yet negative stool tests—clinicians often resort to empirical therapy. In these scenarios, Albendazole, a broad-spectrum benzimidazole, is frequently utilized off-label (). Despite its common use, direct comparative evidence evaluating the efficacy of these two drugs remains scarce, particularly regarding how diagnostic certainty (confirmed vs. suspected cases) and the specific pathology of hepatic lesions influence treatment outcomes.

Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the comparative clinical efficacy of Praziquantel versus Albendazole in patients presenting with C. sinensis-related hepatic lesions. We hypothesize that the therapeutic response is modulated by the level of diagnostic certainty and that the two regimens exhibit divergent longitudinal patterns in the resolution of lesions over time.

Methods

Study design and population

This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted using data retrieved from the electronic medical record system of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. The study protocol received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the hospital (Approval No. ZSSFYY-2026–031-01). The requirement for informed consent was waived due to the retrospective nature of the study and the fact that it did not interfere with routine clinical management.

Adult patients admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases or the Department of Hepatology at our institution between January 2018 and December 2025 were screened. The inclusion criteria were: (1) age > 18 years; (2) presence of one or more intrahepatic space-occupying lesions confirmed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); (3) absolute peripheral blood eosinophil count > 0.5 × 109/L (); (4) a clear history of raw freshwater fish consumption and/or long-term residence in endemic regions (e.g., Guangdong or Guangxi provinces) (); (5) administration of standardized monotherapy with either Praziquantel or Albendazole; and (6) possessed complete baseline information along with imaging and laboratory follow-up data within 3 months after treatment. Patients were excluded if they met any of the following criteria: (1) confirmed co-infection with other parasites (e.g., Paragonimus or Schistosoma); (2) concomitant malignancy, autoimmune liver disease, or drug-induced liver injury; (3) combined use of other anthelmintics or corticosteroids during the treatment period; or (4) absence of critical follow-up data, precluding the assessment of clinical outcomes.

Based on parasitological evidence, patients were stratified into two diagnostic tiers: Definite Group: Defined by at least one positive stool examination for C. sinensis eggs. Suspected (Presumptive) Group: Defined by three consecutive negative stool examinations despite exhibiting typical clinical and radiological features—including persistent eosinophilia, periductal enhancing lesions on imaging, and a documented history of epidemiological exposure—with no other identifiable etiology.

Exposure and treatment regimens

The primary exposure of interest was the type of anthelmintic agent administered: Praziquantel or Albendazole. The Praziquantel regimen consisted of 20 mg/kg per dose, three times daily for 3 consecutive days (). The Albendazole regimen was administered at a dosage of 20 mg/kg per day in 2–3 divided oral doses for 7 days. A small subset of patients received an extended course of up to 14 days; these cases were included in the Albendazole group due to the limited sample size (; ; ). Furthermore, we conducted a sensitivity analysis excluding the 14-day subgroup, and the results remained consistent (data not shown). All subjects received monotherapy without the co-administration of other antiparasitic agents.

Outcome definitions

The primary outcome was clinical cure within 90 days post-treatment, defined by the simultaneous fulfillment of the following three criteria: (1) Symptomatic relief: Complete resolution or significant improvement of baseline gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., right upper quadrant pain, abdominal distension, and dyspepsia). (2) Radiological response: Follow-up imaging (liver ultrasound, CT, or MRI) demonstrating a ≥50% reduction in the sum of the diameters of target lesions—classified as Partial Response (PR)—or their complete disappearance—classified as Complete Response (CR). (3) Laboratory normalization: Normalization of the peripheral blood eosinophil count (< 0.5 × 109/L).

Imaging assessments were performed independently by two radiologists who were blinded to the treatment assignments. Any discrepancies were resolved through consensus or by adjudication from a third senior radiologist. Laboratory parameters were obtained from the official reports issued by the hospital’s clinical laboratory.

Statistical analysis

Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range, IQR), with normality assessed via the Shapiro–Wilk test. Comparisons between groups were performed using the independent samples t-test or Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies (percentages) and analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Clopper–Pearson intervals were calculated for initial categorical analysis, while Wilson score intervals were used for longitudinal cure rate plots to ensure binomial proportion accuracy. To evaluate effect modification, a multivariable logistic regression model incorporating a multiplicative interaction term (Treatment × Diagnostic Certainty) was fitted. The significance of the interaction was assessed using the Wald test, with P < 0.05 indicating significant heterogeneity in treatment effects across diagnostic subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression was further employed to estimate the association between treatment and clinical cure, calculating adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Predefined covariates included age, sex, diagnostic category (definite vs. suspected), baseline white blood cell count, eosinophil count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), number of lesions, and maximum lesion diameter. For the repeated measurements at 30, 60, and 90 days, Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with a logit link function and binomial distribution were utilized to account for within-subject correlation. An exchangeable correlation structure was specified. The model was adjusted for age, sex, baseline laboratory indicators (ALT, EOS, WBC), and lesion characteristics. All tests were two-sided, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data analysis was performed using the SPSSpro platform (https://www.spsspro.com/).

Results

Baseline characteristics and histopathological findings

A total of 151 patients were enrolled, including 78 in the Praziquantel group and 73 in the Albendazole group. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, pre-treatment white blood cell count, eosinophil count, lesion number and size, ALT, and AST levels (all P > 0.05). However, a significantly higher proportion of definite cases was observed in the Praziquantel group (38.5%) compared to the Albendazole group (21.9%) (P = 0.027), which was identified as a potential confounding factor (Table 1).

TABLE 1

VariableTotal (N = 151)PraziquantelAlbendazoleP value
(n = 78)(n = 73)
Age, median (Q1-Q3) (years)34 (28–42.5)33 (27.25–41.75)34 (29–43)0.504
Male sex, n (%)128 (84.8%)66 (84.6%)62 (84.9%)0.957
Definite diagnosisa, n (%)46 (30.5%)30 (38.5%)16 (21.9%)0.027*
WBC,median (Q1-Q3) × 109/L15.31 (10.90–20.98)14.56 (11.35–20.11)16.25 (10.37–21.27)0.76
Eosinophil count, median (Q1-Q3) × 109/L7.26 (3.75–13.53)7.25 (3.83–12.91)8.64 (3.68–14.66)0.776
Number of liver lesions, median (Q1-Q3)3 (2–3)3 (2–3.75)3 (1–3)0.3
Lesion sizeb, median (Q1-Q3) cm29 (22–37)27 (23–36)29 (22–41)0.367
ALT, median (Q1-Q3) U/L68 (42–99.5)70 (43.5–109)63 (38–92)0.282
AST, median (Q1-Q3) U/L35 (26–50)35 (26.25–45.5)37 (26–54.3)0.73
GGT, median (Q1-Q3) U/L119 (67.5–178.5)127.5 (84–186.75)113 (63–159)0.141
ALP, median (Q1-Q3) U/L163 (115–232)171.5 (115.25–245)161 (116–203)0.387

Baseline characteristics of the study population (N = 151).

a

Definite diagnosis: positive stool examination for Clonorchis sinensis eggs.

b

Lesion size: Calculated based on the maximum diameter of the largest lesion.

c

Statistical analysis: Continuous variables compared by t-test (normal) or Mann–Whitney U test (non-normal); categorical variables by χ2 test.

*

P < 0.05.

Hepatic ultrasound revealed that the lesions were frequently multiple hypoechoic nodules with ill-defined margins, predominantly distributed in the peripheral liver. These imaging characteristics closely mirrored the pathological findings of marked eosinophilic infiltration observed in representative cases. Following anthelmintic therapy, a dynamic evolution was observed: lesions either reduced significantly in size (e.g., from 21 × 17 mm to 4 × 3 mm) or demonstrated complete absorption (e.g., a 20 × 17 mm lesion resolved entirely). Histopathological examination (HE staining) of liver tissue sections revealed focal necrotic lesions with disrupted lobular architecture and marked inflammatory infiltration (Figure 1). The infiltrates consisted predominantly of eosinophils, accompanied by scattered lymphocytes and plasma cells. Hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were evident within the lesion areas. No parasite ova, worms, or Charcot-Leyden crystals were observed, and no obvious granuloma formation or portal fibrosis was detected.

FIGURE 1

Overall clinical cure rates showed no significant difference

In the overall efficacy comparison, the clinical cure rate in the Praziquantel group (76.9%, 60/78; 95% CI: 66.1%–85.6%) was higher than that in the Albendazole group (67.1%, 49/73; 95% CI: 55.2%–77.6%), though the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 1.804, P = 0.179). Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the overall cure rates of the definite group (80.4%, 37/46; 95% CI: 66.1%–90.6%) and the suspected group (68.6%, 72/105; 95% CI: 58.7%–77.3%) (χ2 = 2.242, P = 0.134) (Figure 2).

FIGURE 2

Therapeutic potential of albendazole in suspected cases

Stratified analysis by diagnostic certainty revealed that in the definite subgroup, the clinical cure rate was significantly higher in the Praziquantel group (90.0%, 27/30; 95% CI: 73.5%–97.9%) than in the Albendazole group (62.5%, 10/16; 95% CI: 35.4%–84.8%) (P = 0.047, Fisher’s exact test). Notably, the confidence interval for Albendazole in this subgroup was wide, reflecting the limited sample size. Conversely, in the suspected subgroup, cure rates were nearly identical between the Praziquantel (68.8%, 33/48; 95% CI: 53.8%–81.4%) and Albendazole (68.4%, 39/57; 95% CI: 54.8%–79.9%) groups (χ2 = 0.001, P = 0.971) (Figure 3).

FIGURE 3

An interaction term (Treatment × Diagnostic Certainty) was included in the multivariable logistic regression model to assess effect modification. The results indicated a marginally significant trend (P = 0.064), suggesting a potential difference in treatment efficacy between definite and suspected cases, although it did not reach the conventional level of statistical significance. The odds ratio (OR) for the interaction term was 5.318 (95% CI: 0.906–31.212) (Table 2).

TABLE 2

Variableβ (Coefficient)SEWaldPOR (95% CI)
χ2
Main effects
Treatment (praziquantel vs. Albendazole)0.0150.4220.0010.9711.015 (0.444–2.322)
Diagnostic certainty (confirmed vs. Suspected)−0.2620.590.1980.6560.769 (0.242–2.444)
Interaction term
Treatment × diagnostic certainty1.6710.9033.4260.0645.318 (0.906–31.212)

Assessment of the interaction effect between treatment regimen and diagnostic certainty on clinical cure.

This model assesses whether the efficacy of the treatment varies by diagnostic certainty. The interaction term showed a marginal trend towards significance (P = 0.064).

Independent predictors of clinical cure

In the unadjusted univariate analysis, the Albendazole group showed a lower cure rate than the Praziquantel group (Crude OR = 0.613, 95% CI: 0.290–1.298, P = 0.179), which was not statistically significant. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that after adjusting for age, sex, diagnostic certainty, ALT, and lesion characteristics, the treatment regimen was not an independent factor influencing clinical cure (Adjusted OR = 0.665, 95% CI: 0.298–1.482, P = 0.318). This indicates that Albendazole yields similar clinical responses to Praziquantel after controlling for baseline biases. Notably, age was identified as an independent predictor of cure (Adjusted OR = 0.615, P = 0.017), suggesting that clinical cure rates decrease with advancing age (Figure 4).

FIGURE 4

Robustness of efficacy confirmed by sensitivity analysis

To exclude interference from the uneven distribution of diagnostic certainty, a stratified sensitivity analysis was performed. After adjusting for covariates, no significant difference in efficacy was found between Albendazole and Praziquantel in either the definite subgroup (aOR = 0.305, P = 0.242) or the suspected subgroup (aOR = 0.924, P = 0.872). This further confirms the stability of Albendazole’s efficacy across different diagnostic tiers. (Table 3; Figure 5).

TABLE 3

SubgroupSample size (N)Adjusted OR95% CIP-value
Confirmed cases460.3050.042–2.2270.242
Suspected cases1050.9240.353–2.4210.872

Sensitivity analysis of drug efficacy across different diagnostic subgroups.

Praziquantel vs. Albendazole.

FIGURE 5

Temporal trends in cure rates and time-dependent efficacy

Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analysis addressed within-subject correlations and revealed a significant Treatment × Time interaction (P < 0.001), indicating that the efficacy trends of the two drugs differed over time. Analysis of main effects showed that the overall cure rate in the Praziquantel group was significantly superior to the Albendazole group (OR = 10.278, 95% CI: 4.123–25.62, P < 0.001), suggesting that the curative advantage of Praziquantel is more than 10-fold that of Albendazole after controlling for the time factor (Table 4).

TABLE 4

Variable nameCoefficientStd. ErrorP-valueOR (95%CI)
Treatment * Time_Group−2.0550.2520.000***0.128 (0.078–0.21)
Treatment_Praziquantel2.330.4660.000***10.278 (4.123–25.62)
Age per 10 years0.0080.1310.9491.008 (0.78–1.303)
Group_Suspected0.0140.2980.9631.014 (0.565–1.819)
Gender_Female−0.4490.3660.220.638 (0.311–1.308)
Baseline WBC per 1x10e9/L0.050.0530.3511.051 (0.948–1.166)
Baseline eosinophil per 1x10e9/L0.0090.0570.8751.009 (0.902–1.128)
Baseline ALT per 1 U/L−0.0010.0020.6170.999 (0.995–1.003)
Number of liver lesions per0.0560.1110.611.058 (0.851–1.315)
Max lesion diameter per 1 mm−0.0040.0090.6640.996 (0.979–1.014)

Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis of factors associated with clinical cure.

OR, Odds Ratio. CI, confidence interval.

Reference Groups: Albendazole for Treatment; 30 Days for Time Group.

*** indicates P < 0.001.

The cumulative cure rates in both groups showed a progressive upward trend (Figure 6). At 30 days, cure rates were 7.7% (95% CI: 3.0%–16.0%) for Praziquantel and 8.2% (95% CI: 3.2%–17.0%) for Albendazole (P > 0.05). By 60 days, rates rose to 26.9% (95% CI: 17.9%–38.0%) and 31.5% (95% CI: 21.5%–43.3%), respectively, with overlapping confidence intervals. At 90 days, the cumulative cure rate was significantly higher in the Praziquantel group (76.9%, 95% CI: 66.2%–85.0%) compared to the Albendazole group (67.1%, 95% CI: 55.4%–77.0%).

FIGURE 6

Safety and tolerability profile

Adverse events were rare and mild. Only one patient in the Albendazole group reported a transient elevation of serum creatinine, while no adverse events were observed in the Praziquantel group. No serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in either group.

Discussion

This retrospective analysis included 151 patients with hepatic space-occupying lesions associated with Clonorchis sinensis. Our stratified analysis demonstrated that diagnostic certainty greatly affects the interpretation of treatment outcomes. As reported in local epidemiological studies, most participants were adult males, which is closely related to the prevalent habit of consuming raw freshwater fish in endemic areas of Guangdong ().

Overall cure rates were numerically higher in the praziquantel group. The significant treatment-by-time interaction from GEE analysis revealed a cumulative therapeutic advantage of praziquantel (OR = 10.278), yet this benefit was mainly confined to parasitologically confirmed cases (90.0% vs. 62.5%). For stool-negative suspected cases, the two drugs delivered similar clinical responses (68.8% vs. 68.4%), with no statistically significant difference. This discrepancy across subgroups explains why multivariable logistic regression showed no obvious between-group difference after adjusting for confounders. The strong OR value in the longitudinal GEE model reflects heterogeneous treatment effects rather than universal superiority of praziquantel. Our findings suggest albendazole may have potential value for infections involving larvae or low parasite burdens. Nevertheless, given the retrospective design, small sample sizes in subgroups and wide confidence intervals, these results are purely exploratory and cannot support its use as a standard alternative therapy.

The differing treatment profiles stem from distinct pharmacological mechanisms. Praziquantel effectively eliminates adult liver flukes by disrupting parasite tegument and inducing calcium influx, but it has minimal activity against juvenile worms (). Rapid lysis of adult parasites may also trigger antigen release and aggravate hepatic eosinophilic infiltration (; ). In contrast, albendazole and its active metabolite bind to parasite β-tubulin, inhibiting the growth of both adult and larval stages (; ; ). Its metabolites may also modulate host inflammatory reactions and relieve eosinophilic infiltration in liver tissue (; ). Such dual properties enable albendazole to produce similar therapeutic performance in patients with inflammatory lesions caused by larval migration or mild infection (; ). Additionally, its broad-spectrum anthelmintic effect offers advantages for patients with potential mixed fluke infections. Age was also identified as an independent influencing factor; lower cure rates in elderly patients may be attributed to immunosenescence and biliary fibrosis.

This study has multiple inherent limitations that require full consideration. First, treatment regimens were determined by clinicians’ judgment instead of random allocation, leading to inevitable selection bias, even after multivariate adjustment. Second, the suspected case group lacked parasitological evidence and was not a homogeneous population, which may include patients with other eosinophilic liver diseases. Third, liver histopathology only presented non-specific parasitic eosinophilic inflammation; no adult worms, eggs or characteristic periductal fibrosis were found, so histological results alone cannot confirm clonorchiasis. Finally, the retrospective nature caused incomplete documentation of adverse events, which may underestimate the safety profile. Only one transient serum creatinine elevation was observed in the albendazole group, and no serious adverse events occurred in either group.

In clinical practice, praziquantel remains the well-established first-line treatment for parasitologically confirmed clonorchiasis. For patients with typical exposure history, hepatic lesions, eosinophilia but negative stool tests, albendazole can be considered for empirical use. Serological tests also have limitations in distinguishing active and past mild infections (; ). Previous studies have reported that standard high-dose praziquantel may cause tolerability concerns and potentially compromise medication adherence, while albendazole is associated with lower treatment costs (; ), an issue that could not be assessed in this retrospective study. In summary, our findings provide exploratory evidence for stratified medication strategies. Large-scale prospective randomized controlled trials are still needed to further verify the efficacy of the two drugs and evaluate combination or sequential treatment regimens.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a stratified approach. Praziquantel remains the established first-line therapy. However, for suspected, stool-negative cases, Albendazole may serve as a potential empirical option, showing similar lesion improvement in this specific cohort. These findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant validation in prospective trials.

Statements

Data availability statement

The data analyzed in this study is subject to the following licenses/restrictions: Data are not publicly available due to patient privacy and institutional ethics restrictions. They can be obtained from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request. Requests to access these datasets should be directed to Jing Zhang, .

Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The ethics committee/institutional review board waived the requirement of written informed consent for participation from the participants or the participants' legal guardians/next of kin because The requirement for written informed consent was waived due to the retrospective nature of the study and the fact that it did not interfere with routine clinical management.

Author contributions

Y-zC: Investigation, Writing – original draft. P-zG: Investigation, Writing – original draft. Y-fZ: Investigation, Writing – original draft. W-yL: Investigation, Writing – original draft. Q-fS: Investigation, Writing – original draft. Z-hL: Funding acquisition, Investigation, Writing – original draft. Z-yL: Supervision, Validation, Writing – review and editing. J-fC: Funding acquisition, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review and editing. JZ: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review and editing.

Funding

The author(s) declared that financial support was received for this work and/or its publication. This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2024YFA1108802, 2024YFA1108803, 2024YFA1107204); Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2026A1515010344); Guangzhou Science and Technology Program Projects (2025A03J3194); Guangzhou Science and Technology Program Key Projects (2023B03J0154, 2023B01J1007).

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Bin Li from the Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, for his pathological expertise provided during this study.

Conflict of interest

The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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The author(s) declared that generative AI was not used in the creation of this manuscript.

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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

References

Summary

Keywords

albendazole, clonorchiasis, diagnostic certainty, hepatic space-occupying lesions, praziquantel, retrospective cohort study

Citation

Cao Y, Guo P, Zhang Y, Li W, Shen Q, Li Z, Lei Z, Chen J and Zhang J (2026) Empirical therapy for hepatic lesions in suspected clonorchiasis: a comparative efficacy analysis of Albendazole and Praziquantel. Front. Pharmacol. 17:1878617. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1878617

Received

13 May 2026

Revised

13 June 2026

Accepted

18 June 2026

Published

08 July 2026

Volume

17 - 2026

Edited by

Ralf Weiskirchen, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Reviewed by

Derlis Duarte-Zoilan, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Spain

Abdul Hadi Furqoni, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Zi-ying Lei, ; Jun-feng Chen, ; Jing Zhang,

† These authors have contributed equally to this work

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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