A nationwide survey of the prevalence of human Gymnophalloides seoi infection on western and southern coastal islands in the Republic of Korea.
10.3347/kjp.2001.39.1.23
- Author:
Jong Yil CHAI
;
Jae Hwan PARK
;
Eun Taek HAN
;
Eun Hee SHIN
;
Jae Lip KIM
;
Kwang Seon HONG
;
Han Jong RIM
;
Soon Hyung LEE
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Adult;
Age Factors;
Aged;
Aged, 80 and over;
Animals;
Child;
Child, Preschool;
Female;
Human;
Infant;
Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/*epidemiology;
Korea/epidemiology;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Prevalence;
Sex Factors;
Support, Non-U.S. Gov't;
Trematode Infections/*epidemiology
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2001;39(1):23-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A nationwide survey was performed to know the distribution and prevalence of human Gymnophalloides seoi infection on western and southern coastal islands in the Republic of Korea. A total of 4,178 fecal specimens were collected from residents on 45 (24 western and 21 southern) islands, and examined by Kato-Katz and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques. Eggs of G. seoi were detected from 160 (3.8%) people living on 22 (13 western and 9 southern) islands. The prevalence varied by the location of islands; higher on western islands than on southern islands. The highest prevalence was found on Amtaedo (25.3%), followed by Cheungdo (25.0%), and Anchwado (20.9%) (Shinan-gun). A little lower prevalence was observed on Munyodo (13.3%), Shinshido (12.9%), and Sonyudo (10.3%) (Kunsan-shi). Of the remaining islands, the regions showing the prevalence greater than 5% included Kohado, Dallido (Mokpo-shi), Pyeongildo, Kogumdo (Wando-gun), and Keogumdo (Kohung-gun). A strong age predilection was noted (P < 0.05); 95% of the infected people were over 40 years old. Females showed a little higher prevalence than males. The results indicate that human G. seoi infection is more widely distributed than previously considered. Nine of 11 islands (excluding the 2 known areas Munyodo and Sunyudo) that showed greater prevalence than 5% are regarded as new endemic foci of G. seoi.
