Gallstones and Clonorchis sinensis infection: a hospital-based case-control study in Korea

A high prevalence of intrahepatic stones in some areas of East Asia has been believed to be related with Clonorchis sinensis infection. The authors conducted a hospital-based case-control study to evaluate the role of Clonorchis sinensis infection as a risk factor for the development of gallstones in Korea.

The cases of 138 patients with gallstones (intrahepatic 44, gallbladder 67, and extrahepatic 27) and matched controls underwent microscopy for C. sinensis, serological tests for C. sinensis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, radiological examinations, and interviews concerning the history of eating raw freshwater fish. We assessed a relationship of three types of gallstones and variables regarding C. sinensis by using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.

Univariate statistical analyses showed that radiological evidence of C. sinensis and recent history of eating raw freshwater fish were related to an increased risk of intrahepatic stones (P = 0.0002 and 0.0039, respectively). According to multivariate statistical analyses, radiological evidence of C. sinensis was the only risk factor for intrahepatic stones (odds ratio = 7.835; 95% confidence interval = 1.671-36.724). Any evidence regarding C. sinensis was not related to an increased risk of either gallbladder or extrahepatic stones.

Radiological evidence of C. sinensis was significantly associated with intrahepatic stones.