Prevalence and risk factors of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in a central province, Vietnam

Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) causing Opisthorchiasis is a biological carcinogen of group 1, according to the World Health Organization. This study aims to investigate the apparent prevalence of O. viverrini infection in the community of Tuy An district, Phu Yen province and its associated risk factors. A total of 696 stool samples were collected and examined using the Kato Katz technique. Risk factors were studied by using a structured questionnaire and the association with infection was evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of O. viverrini infection in the study population determined by stool examination was 8.2%. Males (OR=2.52; 95%CI: 1.37-4.64), the age group of above 60 years (OR=2.16; 95%CI: 1.37-4.54), no education (OR=13.16; 95%CI: 1.34- 129.08), and consumption of raw fish dishes (OR=4.61; 95%CI: 2.12-10.02) were found to be significantly associated with Opisthorchiasis in the area. These findings confirm the presence of O. viverrini in central Vietnam and the infection related to the consumption of raw fish dishes. Intergrated awareness campaigns and control programs should be implemented in the region to combat this potential fatal fluke infection.