OPISTHORCHIS-VIVERRINI INFECTION IN THAILAND - SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF INFECTION - A POPULATION-BASED STUDY

A population-based study of the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonograp hic findings in patients suffering from mild or moderate opisthorchias is in Prachinburi province Thailand was conducted in 1990-1992. The ef fectiveness of treatment with praziquantel at 40 mg/kg body weight was evaluated. After treatment, a longlasting, marked improvement in the well-being of the study group was observed. Symptoms common in opistho rchiasis infection decreased in intensity and the clinical response sh owed 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 red uction in cholestasis. Also, white blood cell counts decreased initial ly, which can be interpreted as a reduction in inflammation intensity. No relationship was found between intensity of infection and age or c linical findings. Population-based treatment of opisthorchiasis appear s to have had a significant impact on public health in north-east Thai land. However, it is also evident that drug therapy alone will not sol ve the opisthorchiasis problem, as indicated by the reinfection rate o f almost 10% at the end of the study.