Overweight Relation to Liver Fluke Infection among Rural Participants from 4 Districts of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 730 participants from 4 rural districts of Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, with a reported high incidence of liver fluke infection. This study was aimed to examine and evaluate the nutritional status in relation to Opisthorchis viverrini infection. Participants were purposive selected from Chum Phuang, Mueang Yang, Bua Yai, and Kaeng Sanam Nang districts. Stool samples were prepared by Kato Katz technique and then assessed by microscopy. Anthropometry was evaluated according to the body mass index from weight and height. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the association between the nutritional status and O. viverrini infection. Of 1.64% infected with O. viverrini the highest proportions were found in age groups ≥61 and 41-50 years old, Mueang Yang district. The majorities of participants had normal weight (32.2%), followed by class II obesity (28.1%), class I obesity (21.8%), underweight (10.3%), and class III obesity (8.63%). Nutritional status with class II obesity (rS=0.639, <0.01) and class I obesity (rS=0.582, <0.05), had moderately statistical significant correlations with O. viverrini infection. Meanwhile, normal weight (rS=0.437, <0.05) and class III obesity (rS=0.384, <0.05) demonstrated lower statistical significance. These findings raise the possibility that infection with O. viverrini may contribute to fat deposition and thereby have long-term consequences on human health. Further studies are needed to better understand whether O. viverrini contributes directly to fat deposition and possible mechanisms.
School of Family Medicine and Community Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand E-mail : soraya.k@sut.ac.th.
Soraya J
SJ
Kaewpitoon
Ratana
R
Rujirakul
Parichart
P
Wakkuwattapong
Likit
L
Matrakool
Taweesak
T
Tongtawee
Sukij
S
Panpimanmas
Jirawoot
J
Kujapun
Jun
J
Norkaew
Mali
M
Photipim
Sukanya
S
Ponphimai
Wassugree
W
Chavengkun
Pontip
P
Kompor
Natnapa
N
Padchasuwan
Sudaporn
S
Sawaspol
Mattika Chaimeerang
MC
Phandee
Wichan
W
Phandee
Wassana
W
Phanurak
Natthawut
N
Kaewpitoon
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009889:Opisthorchiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D009891:Opisthorchis / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D050177:Overweight / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012424:Rural Population; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D013851:Thinness / Q000503:physiopathology*