The Korean Journal of Parasitology  2009;47(3):315-318

doi:10.3347/kjp.2009.47.3.315

Egg Laying Capacity of Haplorchis taichui (Digenea: Heterophyidae) in Humans.

Megumi SATO 1 ; Surapol SANGUANKIAT ; Somchit PUBAMPEN ; Teera KUSOLSUK ; Wanna MAIPANICH ; Jitra WAIKAGUL

Affiliations

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Keywords

Haplorchis taichui; eggs per gram of feces (EPG); eggs per day per worm (EPDPW); egg laying capacity

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Quantitative fecal egg counts represented as the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) are generally a reliable parameter to estimate the worm burden of intestinal and hepatic parasitoses. Although Haplorchis taichui (Digenea: Heterophyidae) is one of the most common minute human intestinal flukes, little is known about the relationship between EPG and the actual worm burden in patients or the severity of the disease. In the present study, fecal samples were collected from 25 villagers in northern Thailand before and after praziquantel treatment. The EPG values of each participant were determined by the modified cellophane thick smear method, and adult worms were collected from the whole stool after the treatment. Eggs per day per worm (EPDPW) of H. taichui were estimated 82 from egg counts and expelled worms. The EPG was not well correlated with the worm burden, and a reverse correlation was observed between the EPDPW and the worm burden.