title: Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Thailand: symptoms and signs of infection--a population-based study.
abstract: A population-based study of the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in patients suffering from mild or moderate opisthorchiasis in Prachinburi province, Thailand was conducted in 1990-1992. The effectiveness of treatment with praziquantel at 40 mg/kg body weight was evaluated. After treatment, a long-lasting, marked improvement in the well-being of the study group was observed. Symptoms common in opisthorchiasis infection decreased in intensity and the clinical response showed total or partial remission in 98% of all cases studied. Total and direct bilirubin concentrations decreased significantly and remained low up to the end of the follow-up period of 2 years, indicating a reduction in cholestasis. Also, white blood cell counts decreased initially, which can be interpreted as a reduction in inflammation intensity. No relationship was found between intensity of infection and age or clinical findings. Population-based treatment of opisthorchiasis appears to have had a significant impact on public health in north-east Thailand. However, it is also evident that drug therapy alone will not solve the opisthorchiasis problem, as indicated by the reinfection rate of almost 10% at the end of the study.
authors.affiliation: Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pungpak
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chalermrut
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Harinasuta
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Viravan
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Schelp
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hempfling
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schlattmann
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bunnag
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009889:Opisthorchiasis / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013785:Thailand; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D011223:Praziquantel; D001663:Bilirubin