Epidemiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Epidemiology, including details on twin studies, statistics, environmental and genetic factors.

Epidemiology of Opisthorchis viverrini in a rural district of southern Lao PDR.

Sayasone S, Odermatt P, Phoumindr N, Vongsaravane X, Sensombath V, Phetsouvanh R, Choulamany X, Strobel M

Institut de la Francophonie pour la Médecine Tropicale, Vientiane, Lao PDR.

In Lao PDR, detailed investigations on Opisthorchis viverrini are scarce. The objective was to document epidemiological features of O. viverrini infections in a highly endemic district. A random sample was selected (13 villages, 15 households/village, all household members aged >6 months). Clinical examinations, short interviews and stool examinations (Kato-Katz technique) were performed. Fish samples were dissected for the presence of metacercaria. In total, 814 persons were enrolled (median age 16 years, 51.5% women). The prevalence was 58.5%. Infection rates increased with age (from 20.0 to 85.5%; P<0.001). Intensity of infection and the habit of consuming insufficiently cooked fish also increased with age. Of the study participants, 75.2% reported cooking fish insufficiently. Of the 23 different species of cyprinoid fish consumed in the study villages, 20 species were infected. At the village level, the prevalence of raw fish consumption was strongly associated with the infection status of O. viverrini (r=0.76, P=0.003). At individual level, age, the consumption of insufficiently cooked fish, and the absence of sanitation were strongly associated. The disease associated with O. viverrini infection needs to be assessed in order to develop and conduct adequate interventions.

Published 7 November 2006 in Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 101(1): 40-7.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Epidemiology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.