LIVER FLUKE-INFECTED CYPRINOID FISH IN NORTHEASTERN THAILAND (2016-2017)

Benjamabhorn Pumhirunroj1,2,3, Ratchadawan Aukkanimart4, Thidarut Boonmars1,2, Pranee Sriraj4, Parichart Boueroy5, Atchara Artchayasawat1,2, Jiraporn Songsri1,2,6, Panupan Sripan6, Kanpicha Chomphumee2, Panaratana Ratanasuwan7, Porntip Laummaunwai1, Sukhonthip Khueangchaingkhwang1,2, Apiporn Suwanatri1, Surasit Aunpromma8, Chatanun Eamudomkarn1, Narong Khuntikeo2,9, Watcharin Loilome2,10, Nisana Namwat2,10 and Puangrat Yongvanit2

Abstract

The highest prevalence of liver fluke infection globally is found in northeastern Thailand, a region where bodies of water have been contaminated with liver fluke eggs from feces of infected subjects. An evaluation of liver fluke metacercaria in cyprinoid fish from 132 different water bodies in 59 districts of 20 provinces in northeastern Thailand was conducted from November 2016 to October 2017. Twelve of 28 cyprinoid fish species obtained from 14 out of 20 provinces were infected with Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae (mc). Infection in fish was highest (12.1%) in canal/creek, followed by marsh/pond (6.1%), reservoir (3.8%), lake (3.0%), swamp (1.5%), dam/weir (0.8%), and river (0.8%). Intensity of O. viverrini-infected fish ranged from 0.04-2.47 mc per fish and 0.59-177.78 mc per kg fish, being highest in Sri Sa Ket Province. Six new O. viverrini fish hosts (Barbonymus altus, B. gonionotus, Cyclocheilichthys lagleri, Henicorhynchus ornatipinnis, Puntius brevis, and P. spilopterus) were discovered. The results should be useful for development of appropriate strategies to control human feces contamination and liver fluke infection in water bodies and cyprinoid fish in northeastern Thailand.