EPIDEMIOLOGY OF FISH-BORNE ZOONOTIC TREMATODES IN NORTHERN VIETNAM: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE RED RIVER DELTA

Fish-borne zoonotic trematode infections (FZTi) remain a persistent yet underestimated public health concern in many parts of Southeast Asia, with Vietnam representing one of the most affected regions. These infections are primarily caused by minute intestinal flukes (MIF) and small liver flukes (SLF), transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish. Such dietary practices are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and social customs, thereby sustaining the transmission cycle in rural communities. Globally, the burden of FZTi is alarming, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating in 2004 that nearly 500 million people were at risk of infection—a figure that has likely risen due to population growth, urbanization, and changing dietary behaviors. In Vietnam, millions remain at risk, particularly in the Red River Delta and other rural provinces where freshwater fish is a dietary staple and sanitation infrastructure is inadequate. Despite its significance, FZTi is often overlooked compared to other neglected tropical diseases, resulting in underreporting and limited public health interventions. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of fish-borne zoonotic trematode infections in the Red River Delta, Vietnam, through a cross-sectional survey. Findings from this research will provide evidence-based insights to inform public health strategies, raise awareness of the risks linked to raw fish consumption, and support the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing transmission within vulnerable populations