Prevalence and Risk Factors of Opisthorchis viverrini Infection in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

Abstract

Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the liver fluke <i>Opisthorchis viverrini</i>. This parasite is widely distributed and well documented in Thailand, Lao PDR, Southern Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. However, its prevalence is a major problem in these countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of <i>O. viverrini</i> infection from 2017 to 2020 in Sakon Nakhon province, Thailand. Questionnaires were used to interview 320 participants (160 cases and 160 controls) in a random selection of 18 districts across Sakon Nakhon province. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with <i>O. viverrini</i> infection. The overall prevalence levels of <i>O. viverrini</i> infection in Sakon Nakhon province for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 3.60%, 5.21%, and 7.01%, respectively. Raw fish consumption was a positive risk factor for its infection in endemic areas. Factors associated with <i>O. viverrini</i> infection were the habit of consuming unsafely prepared fish (OR = 6.33, 95%CI = 0.32-0.59), the medical history of <i>O. viverrini</i> examination (OR = 8.93, 95%CI = 5.15-15.47), a history of <i>O. viverrini</i> infection (OR = 3.64, 95%CI = 1.17-1.44), and a history of taking praziquantel (OR = 3.64, 95%CI = 1.17-1.44). These results identified gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of <i>O. viverrini</i> in this region that need addressing to identify and develop innovative methods for prevention, control, and support efforts to permanently overcome <i>O. viverrini</i> infection in endemic regions.