Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Thailand: symptoms and signs of infection--a population-based study

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1994 Sep-Oct;88(5):561-4. doi: 10.1016/0035-9203(94)90164-3.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bilirubin / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Opisthorchiasis / blood
  • Opisthorchiasis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Opisthorchiasis / drug therapy
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use
  • Thailand
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Praziquantel
  • Bilirubin