obsolete Opisthorchis viverrini infectious disease

Opisthorchiasis: A Parasitic Disease on the Decline

While opisthorchiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Opisthorchis viverrini or Opisthorchis felineus, was once considered a significant public health concern in Southeast Asia [8][9], its prevalence has been declining over recent decades. According to various studies, substantial reductions in O. viverrini prevalence were achieved, with an estimated 12.4 million individuals still infected in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) in 2018 [13].

Historical Context

Opisthorchiasis was once a major public health problem in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, where people consumed infective metacercariae in raw or undercooked cyprinoid fish. In Thailand alone, about eight million people were infected with O. viverrini [15]. However, efforts to control the disease have led to a decline in its prevalence.

Current Status

While opisthorchiasis is still a concern in some parts of Southeast Asia, it is no longer considered an obsolete infectious disease. Improved diagnostic methods and public health initiatives have contributed to the decline in its prevalence [11]. However, continued efforts are needed to prevent and control the disease, particularly in areas where raw or undercooked fish consumption remains a cultural tradition.

Key Points

• Opisthorchiasis was once a significant public health concern in Southeast Asia.
• The prevalence of O. viverrini has declined over recent decades.
• Improved diagnostic methods and public health initiatives have contributed to the decline in its prevalence.
• Continued efforts are needed to prevent and control the disease.

Citations:

[8] - A parasitic helminthiasis infectious disease that involves parasitic infection of the liver, pancreas and gall bladder by Opisthorchis viverrini or ... [9] - The liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, is one of the major food borne trematodes in Southeast Asia, where infection causes hepatobiliary diseases. [13] - 1 Introduction. Opisthorchis viverrini is a parasitic liver fluke endemic to the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) in Southeast Asia []. [15] - INTRODUCTION. Opisthorchis viverrini, a human liver fluke, is a major public health problem in Thailand and in Southeast Asian countries where people consume the infective metacercariae in raw or undercooked cyprinoid fish.

Opisthorchiasis Felinea: A Rare but Noteworthy Disease

While Opisthorchis viverrini is considered the primary causative agent of opisthorchiasis, its feline counterpart, Opisthorchis felineus, was once thought to be responsible for a distinct disease in humans. Although it's now considered obsolete, understanding the signs and symptoms of this condition can provide valuable insights into the broader context of liver fluke infections.

Symptoms: A Rare but Alarming Presentation

According to various sources [5, 9, 11], individuals heavily infected with Opisthorchis felineus may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Fatigue

These symptoms are often more pronounced than those associated with Opisthorchis viverrini infections [11]. In rare cases, the parasites can cause more severe complications, such as: * Myalgia (muscle pain) * Facial edema (swelling of the face) * Headaches * Fever

Clinical Presentation: A Rare but Noteworthy Disease

The clinical presentation of Opisthorchis felineus infections is often characterized by a combination of these symptoms [8]. While most cases remain asymptomatic, heavily infected individuals may experience acute manifestations, including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare instances, the parasites can cause more severe complications, such as myalgia, facial edema, headaches, and fever.

Conclusion

While Opisthorchis felineus is no longer considered a primary causative agent of opisthorchiasis, understanding its signs and symptoms provides valuable insights into the broader context of liver fluke infections. The rare but alarming presentation of this disease serves as a reminder of the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment in cases where Opisthorchis viverrini is suspected.

References: [5] - Source 5 [8] - Source 8 [9] - Source 9 [11] - Source 11

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Opisthorchis viverrini Infection

The diagnostic tests mentioned in the search results are primarily focused on detecting Opisthorchis viverrini infection, which is a significant public healthcare concern in Southeast Asia. However, some of these tests may be considered obsolete or less effective compared to newer methods.

• Stool examination: This is still considered the gold standard for diagnosing O. viverrini infection, but it has low sensitivity and can produce false negatives in latent infections (Phupiewkham et al., 2021; Sawangsoda et al., 2012).
• Serological tests: These tests are considered supplementary to parasitological examination and may not be as effective in detecting O. viverrini infection (Thaenkham, 2007).
• PCR-RFLP profiles: While these profiles might be useful for diagnosing mixed infections or detecting metacercariae of O. viverrini, they are not specifically mentioned as obsolete tests.

Newer Diagnostic Methods

In contrast to the above-mentioned tests, newer diagnostic methods have been developed and are being used to detect O. viverrini infection. These include:

• Urinary antigen detection: A novel method established for quantitative detection of Opisthorchis viverrini antigen in urine (Sato, 2009).
• Molecular and immunological diagnostic tools: Developed to discriminate between opisthorchiid and heterophyid eggs in Asia (June 29, 2020).

These newer methods are more effective and specific than the older tests mentioned above.

References

[1] Phupiewkham, et al. (2021). [10] [2] Sawangsoda, et al. (2012). [14] [3] Thaenkham, U. (2007). [3] [4] Sato, M. (2009). [6]

Note: The references provided are based on the search results and may not be an exhaustive list of relevant studies on this topic.

Obsolete Drug Treatments for Opisthorchis viverrini Infections

While modern treatments are available, some older drugs were once used to treat Opisthorchis viverrini infections. These include:

• Chloroquine: Although not the primary treatment today, chloroquine was found to decrease or eliminate Opisthorchis eggs in 30 out of 32 patients treated for 16 consecutive days or longer [1].
• Moxidectin and Ivermectin: Unfortunately, these drugs were ineffective against Opisthorchis viverrini infections [3].

Note on Modern Treatments

In contrast to these older treatments, modern medications are more effective in treating Opisthorchis viverrini infections. The current drug of choice is Praziquantel, which has been shown to reduce tissue damage and carcinogenesis caused by inflammation [9]. A dosage of 25 mg/kg three times a day for 2-3 consecutive days is recommended by the World Health Organization.

Additionally, Tribendimidine has also been found to have an efficacy comparable to praziquantel in treating Clonorchis sinensis infections, which shares some similarities with Opisthorchis viverrini [8].

References:

[1] EH Sadun (1955) - Cited by 13 [3] KM Pfarr (2023) - Cited by 23 [8] MB Qian (2013) - Cited by 71 [9] by KM Pfarr · 2023 · Cited by 23

Differential Diagnosis of Opisthorchis viverrini Infection

Opisthorchis viverrini infection, also known as opisthorchiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini. The differential diagnosis of this infection involves distinguishing it from other diseases that may present similar symptoms.

Similar Diseases to Consider

• Clonorchis sinensis: This is another type of liver fluke that can cause similar symptoms to Opisthorchis viverrini.
• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by various factors including viral infections, toxins, and autoimmune disorders.
• Biliary tract diseases: Conditions affecting the bile ducts, such as gallstones or tumors.

Key Factors to Consider in Differential Diagnosis

• Geographic location: Opisthorchis viverrini infection is more common in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
• Mode of transmission: The disease is typically acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing the infective stage of the parasite.
• Symptoms: Patients with Opisthorchis viverrini infection may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and liver damage.

Diagnostic Tools

• Microscopic examination: The presence of parasite eggs in stool samples can be used to diagnose Opisthorchis viverrini infection.
• Imaging studies: Ultrasound or CT scans may be used to visualize the bile ducts and detect any abnormalities.
• Serological tests: Blood tests can be performed to detect antibodies against the parasite.

References

[1] (10) - Opisthorchiasis due to Opisthorchis viverrini infection continues to be a significant public healthcare concern in various subregions of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The main mode of transmission is via consumption of raw or undercooked fish, which is deeply embedded in the culture and tradition of the people living near the Mekong River.

[3] - Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Opisthorchis viverrini sensu lato that afflicts more than 10 million people in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Cambodia. The disease is characterized by a chronic infection that induces hepatobiliary inflammation, especially periductal fibrosis.

[13] - Three of the human liver flukes, Opisthorchis viverrini, O. felineus and Clonorchis sinensis, are Pathologically important food-borne members of the class Trematoda (Beaver et al., 1984). These flukes establish a chronic infection within the smaller intrahepatic bile ducts and occasionally in the pancreas and gall-bladder of humans and other fish-eating mammals.