Surveillance of Schistosomiasis mekongi in Population of Pak Mun Dam, Ubon Ratchathani Province, 2002

Abstract

Abstract

A survey of the prevalence of Schistosomiasis mekongi in population of Pak Mun Dam and itssurrounding area in Ubon Ratchathani Province, for surveillance purposes, was conductedusing fecal examinations in a group of subjects with health-risk behaviors. A total of 886 selectedsample risk cases were used for investigation from May to August, 2002.The results of fecal examinations of all sample cases by formalin-ether concentration techniqueshowed that total parasitic infection rate was 21.4%. Among these, Opisthorchis viverrini infectionwas the highest (12.7%), whereas the infection of hookworm and a group of small intestinal flukeswere 6.9% and 2.3%, respectively. However, no Schistosoma eggs were found in this investigation.This study concluded no transmission of Schistosoma mekongi in the community of catchment areaof Pak Mun Dam during the study period.The results of health-risk investigation showed 31.2% of total risk cases used to travel to LaosPDR and Cambodia where there are endemic areas of Schistosoma mekongi. Moreover, 23.5% of thetotal sample had contact with the Mun River water at least once daily, and 32.8% defecate outsidesanitary latrine. Thus, these people had a greater risk of infection if the water in the river wascontaminated with Schistosoma mekongi cercariae. Surveillance of Schistosomiasis mekongi, therefore,should be continued for a certain period.

Keywords : surveillance, schistosomiasis mekongi, Schistosoma mekongi, infection rate, health-riskinvestigation