Analysis of Risk Areas of Opisthorchis viverrini in Rural Communities by Using SUT-OV-001

Opisthorchis viverrini is still a serious problem in rural areas of Thailand particularly Northeastern and Northern region. Active surveillance is required to determine the update data for further prevention and control planning.

To determine the population at risk and analyze the risk areas for O. viverrini in rural communities of Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2015 and March 2016 at Kang Sanam Nang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. The population at risk for O. viverrini was screened by SUT-OV-001 with Cronbach’ alpha coefficient, 0.724. O. viverrini infection was examined by using Kato thick smear. The risk areas were analyzed by using geographic information system.

Three hundred ninety seven people were recruited for this study. The majorities were female (53.15%), age group 41 to 50 years old (35.01%), educated with primary school (59.45%), agriculture (85.64%), and of income of 2,000 baht (47.36%). The majorities of them were high-risk (49.62%), followed by moderate risk (36.02%), and low-risk (7.3%). Risk areas were classified as very-high-risk areas, found in Beng Samrong (11.44 km(2)), followed by Keang Sanam Nang (5.21 km(2)). High-risk areas were found in Bueng Phalai sub-district (70.16 km(2)), followed by Bueng Samrong (30.45 km(2)), and Non Samran (27.33 km(2)). O. viverrini infection was 3.02%, and distributed in the moderate risk areas (four cases), high-risk areas (three cases), low-risk areas (three cases), and very-high-risk areas (two cases).

The present study indicates the population at risk for O. viverrini and risk areas in the rural communities by using SUT-OV-001 and GIS. These tools are useful to display the risk areas for further prevention and control planning and monitor.