title: Epidemiology of Opisthorchis viverrini in a rural district of southern Lao PDR.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Institut de la Francophonie pour la Médecine Tropicale, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
authors.forename: Somphou
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sayasone
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Odermatt
authors.forename: Niranh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Phoumindr
authors.forename: Xaybundith
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Vongsaravane
authors.forename: Viensene
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sensombath
authors.forename: Rattanaxay
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Phetsouvanh
authors.forename: Xayadeth
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Choulamany
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Strobel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005396:Fish Products; D006801:Humans; D007812:Laos / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009889:Opisthorchiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009891:Opisthorchis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health