Study on Factors Related to of Clonorchiasis Infection among the Inhabitants in the Nakdong Riverside Area

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigated the factors of C. sinensis infection among the residents in vicinity of the Nakdong River and the infection status of fishes in the stream with C. sinensis maetacercaria. METHODS: Selected five regions of the Nakdong River and collected freshwater fishes from the stream to examine their metacercarial infections; and studied the status and causes of C. sinensis infection in 552 residents living within 5 kilometers from the river. RESULTS: Among the 552 residents studied, 13.8% were infected with C. sinensis, and among 379 freshwater fishes of 20 species collected from the five regions, 41 fishes of 8 species were infected with C. sinensis metacercaria. CONCLUSION: In order to prevent human C. sinensis infection and transition to chronic liver ions, we need to develop and apply good programs such as continuous health education, personal hygiene improvement, active medical treatment for those infected with C. sinensis, and residents' voluntarily stop of eating freshwater fishes in the raw state.