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: S Pungpak, K Chalermrut, T Harinasuta, C Viravan, P F Schelp, A Hempfling, P Schlattmann, D Bunnag
• Journal: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg) 1994 Sep-Oct Vol. 88 Issue 5 Pg. 561-4 ISSN: 0035-9203 [Print] England
• PMID: 7992340 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Praziquantel
• Bilirubin

Topics

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