Publication: Current status of helminthiases in Thailand: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey, 2019
42
Issued Date
2021-11-01
Resource Type
ISSN
18736254
0001706X
0001706X
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-85111967211
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Acta Tropica. Vol.223, (2021)
Suggested Citation
Oranard Wattanawong, Sopon Iamsirithaworn, Thongroo Kophachon, Worayuth Nak-ai, Ampas Wisetmora, Thitima Wongsaroj, Paron Dekumyoy, Choosak Nithikathkul, Apiporn T. Suwannatrai, Banchob Sripa Current status of helminthiases in Thailand: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey, 2019. Acta Tropica. Vol.223, (2021). doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106082 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/75560
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Current status of helminthiases in Thailand: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey, 2019
Abstract
Helminthiases are common neglected tropical diseases in Thailand, thus regular surveillance is necessary for their control. During fiscal year 2019, the Thailand Ministry of Public Health carried out a cross-sectional nationwide survey in people of all age groups from the 12 Regional Health Offices in 76 provinces of Thailand. Multi-stage cluster random sampling design was employed to assess the prevalence of helminth infections and certain behavioural risk factors. A total of 16,187 stool samples and demographic data were obtained from the participants. Stool examination was done and parasite eggs/lavae were identified microscopically by experienced technicians. Positive stool samples for Opisthorchis viverrini, hookworms, or Ascaris lumbricoides were further quantified and expressed in eggs per gram feces (EPG). The results revealed an overall prevalence of helminthic infections of 9.79% with over 14 species identified. The highest prevalence was hookworms (4.47%) followed by O. viverrini (2.2%) with mean infection intensities of 222.7 EPG and 120.9, respectively. The majority of the infections were low intensity (97.4% for hookworms and 99.1% for O. viverrini). Similarly for A. lumbricoides, 93.9% of the positive cases were low infections. Two major helminthiases caused by hookworms and O. viverrini were highlighted in this report. While the liver fluke was highly endemic in Northeast Thailand, the hookworms were prevalent in the southmost region of the country. Association with demographic characteristics and risk behaviors of the two parasites were analyzed and presented in this study. Overall, this countrywide survey provides basic information of the current status of helminth infections in Thailand. Moreover, the data clearly indicates a dramatic reduction of O. viverrini prevalence likely due to extensive control activities under the national campaign against the liver fluke over the past five years.