Diversity of human intestinal helminthiasis in Lao PDR

Food-borne trematodiasis is an emerging public health problem, including in Lao PDR. We investigated the diversity of intestinal helminthes and polyparasitism in patients with hepatobiliary or intestinal symptoms in hospital and community-based surveys. Stool samples from 232 individuals aged ≥15 years were examined by the Kato-Katz method (three samples) and a formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique (one sample). Opisthorchis viverrini and minute intestinal flukes (MIF) were common, with prevalences of 86.2% and 62.9%, respectively. Hookworm was the predominant soil-transmitted helminth (65.9%). The prevalences of Taenia spp., Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura were 22.8%, 10.3% and 8.6%, respectively. Additionally, 97 individuals were purged; O. viverrini and Haplorchis taichui were found in 95 and 76 participants, respectively. Other trematodes included Phaneropsolus bonnei (22.7%), Prosthodendrium molenkampi (14.4%), Haplorchis pumilio (5.2%), Haplorchis yokogawai (3.1%) and Echinochasmus japonicus (3.1%). Co-infection with O. viverrini and MIFs was rampant (81.4%). Polytrematode infection is highly prevalent in Lao PDR and hence requires urgent attentio

Severe Morbidity Due to Opisthorchis viverrini and Schistosoma mekongi Infection in Lao People's Democratic Republic

We assessed morbidity due to Opisthorchis viverrini and Schistosoma mekongi infections in 243 individuals in Lao People's Democratic Republic. Morbidity was associated with O. viverrini infection intensity. Coinfection with S. mekongi resulted in excess risk of liver fibrosis and left liver lobe enlargement. The high public health impact of opisthorchiasis warrants contro

Helminth and Intestinal Protozoa Infections, Multiparasitism and Risk Factors in Champasack Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Multiparsitism is a general public health concern in tropical countries, and is of particular importance in the Mekong River basin of Southeast Asia. Here, we report results obtained from an in-depth study of hepato-biliary and intestinal multiparasitism and associated risk factors in three settings of the most southern province of Lao People's Democratic Republic. Multiple species intestinal parasite infections were very common: more than 80% of the study participants harbored at least two and up to seven different intestinal parasites concurrently. Of particular concerns are the high prevalence of the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (64.1%) and the moderate prevalence of the blood fluke Schistosoma mekongi (24.2%), as these fluke infections are responsible for severe hepato-biliary morbidity, including the bile duct cancer cholangiocarcinoma. Hookworm was the most common nematode infection (76.8%). We conclude that given the very high prevalence rates of parasite infections and the extent of multiparasitism, regular deworming is warranted and that this intervention should be coupled with health education and improved assess to clean water and adequate sanitation to consolidate morbidity control and ensure long-term sustainability

Morbidity associated with Schistosoma mekongi and concurrent helminth infection in Lao People's Democratic Republic

In 2006, some 7 years after the halt of a multi-year schistosomiasis control programme, a study was conducted in the southern part of Lao People's Democratic Republic to determine the morbidity associated with Schistosoma mekongi and concurrent helminth infection. In two S. mekongi-endemic districts, Khong and Mounlapamok, 640 individuals aged 9-40 years were randomly selected. Two stool samples were obtained from each participant and subjected to the Kato-Katz technique for helminth diagnosis. Morbidity was assessed by clinical examination and abdominal ultrasonography. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to relate S. mekongi infection with morbidity indicators. In Khong district, S. mekongi prevalence was 13-fold higher than in Mounlapamok district (57.7% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001). Likewise, we observed significantly more often palpated hepatomegaly (15.5% vs. 5.4%) and splenomegaly (9.6% vs. 0.4%). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed that, in Khong district, liver and spleen morbidity occurred more frequently (e.g., enlarged left liver lobe: 89.2% vs. 68.7%, p < 0.001). Single species infection with S. mekongi was associated with enlarged peri-portal vein (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 47.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2-85.7, p = 0.002), as was S. mekongi-Opisthorchis viverrini co-infection (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.5, p = 0.020). In conclusion, our study shows that in 2006, several years after the halt of the Lao schistosomiasis control programme that emphasised preventive chemotherapy, S. mekongi infection again had reached high prevalence rates. Infection with S. mekongi was associated with substantial hepatosplenic morbidity. Schistosomiasis control measures were re-instigated in 2010. In view of the ultimate goal to eliminate schistosomiasis, rigorous surveillance and public health responses tailored to the social-ecological settings and long-term programme commitment are warranted

Patients with severe schistosomiasis mekongi morbidity demonstrating ongoing transmission in Southern Lao People's Democratic Republic

Chronic infection with Schistosoma mekongi may result in severe hepatosplenic morbidity. We report on eight patients with severe morbidity due to S. mekongi infection. The patients were diagnosed, treated and followed-up between 2007 and 2010 in Khong district, Southern Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), eight years after the end of a control intervention. S. mekongi control programmes aimed to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with infection. The patients were visited and interviewed annually. In addition, clinical and abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed and faecal and blood samples were examined. The patients' ages ranged from 6 to 66 years. Of the eight patients, three were children and five were adults. The four youngest patients (aged 6-27 years) significantly improved after praziquantel treatment. One patient (age 46 years) worsened between 2007 and 2010. Two patients died due to bleeding of the oesophageal varices. One patient was lost to follow-up. The leading clinical signs were ascites, splenomegaly, collateral veins on the abdomen and a poor general nutrition status. Ultrasonography disclosed advanced liver fibrosis patterns in all patients; in seven patients, fibrosis pattern E or F was revealed, as per the Niamey protocol (pattern A normal, pattern B to F pathological with increasing severity). Stool microscopy revealed that five patients were co-infected with hookworm and Opisthorchis viverrini. The youngest patient (aged 6 years) was born after the schistosomiasis control program had ended. From her severe morbidity, we can conclude that S. mekongi transmission was on-going in Khong district, and that even in areas with low S. mekongi transmission intensities, severe morbidity from schistosomiasis can develop quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative, and close monitoring is required

Severe morbidity due to Opisthorchis viverrini and Schistosoma mekongi infection in Lao People's Democratic Republic

We assessed morbidity due to Opisthorchis viverrini and Schistosoma mekongi infections in 243 individuals in Lao People's Democratic Republic. Morbidity was associated with O. viverrini infection intensity. Coinfection with S. mekongi resulted in excess risk of liver fibrosis and left liver lobe enlargement. The high public health impact of opisthorchiasis warrants control