Is it necessary to intake anthelmintics every year in Korea? To answer to this question, the recent nation-wide egg positive rate of the intestinal nematodes in Korea was presented. The anthelminthics which are purchasable without physician's prescription were also introduced with their pharmacological reaction and indication. The egg positive rate of Ascaris lumbricoides in 2012 was 0.025%. Those of Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis were 0.27% and 0.004%, respectively. In 2018, purchasable anthelmintics without physician's prescription in Korea were albendazole and flubendazole only. Those two anthelmintics were derivatives of benzimidazole that may cause some side effects such as hepatitis, increase of hepatic enzymes, granulocytopenia, or pancytopenia. These anthelmintics showed excellent effect to ascariasis; while, they are not sufficient to treat trichuriaiss. For treatment of enterobiasis, repeated taking 3 times with 3 weeks interval and mass treatment of the family of egg positive person are required. In conclusion, it is not necessary to take anthelmintics every year without specific diagnosis because of negligible egg positive rate of intestinal nematodes and complicated therapeutic module for enterobiasis. There was no specific symptom of ascariasis or trchuriasis if worm burden is not high. The common symptoms of enterobiasis were pain or itching at the perianal area, sleep difficulty, or diarrhea. If intestinal nematode infection is suspected, stool examination or perianal swab should be done before prescribing anthelmintics.
Agranulocytosis ; Albendazole ; Anthelmintics ; Ascariasis ; Ascaris lumbricoides ; Diagnosis ; Diarrhea ; Enterobiasis ; Enterobius ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Korea ; Nematode Infections ; Ovum ; Pancytopenia ; Prescriptions ; Pruritus ; Trichuris

Objective: To understand the prevalence, trend and related factors on soil-borne nematode in Danzhou city to provide information for prevention and control of the disease. Methods: According to the guidelines set by the National National soil-borne nematode technical solutions, one village was randomly chosen from every township as the monitoring location, in the east, west, south and north parts of Danzhou city. A total of 200 residents aged 3 years and over were randomly selected in each monitoring site, with modified Kato thick smear and Cellophane tape anal swab used for microscopy. Results: In this survey, we retrospectively analyzed the rates on soil borne nematode infection in five monitoring locations of Danzhou city and the results showed that the overall positive rates of infection was 19.5% (195/1 000). Comparing with the previous surveys, rates on soil-borne parasites infection were decreasing. The main types of soil-borne nematode infection appeared as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm and pinworm in Danzhou city, with rate of hookworm-egg infection ranking the highest (42.5%, 85/200) in Dacheng. The infection rate was seen significantly higher in females than males. People aged over 60 and between 3-10, had a higher rates of infection. Rate on multiple infections reached 16.9%, including 5 triple infection cases. Conclusion: Rates of infection on soil-borne nematodes in Danzhou city showed a decreasing trend from 2013 to 2016 with hookworm and whipworm as the major ones.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nematoda/isolation & purification* ; Nematode Infections/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Serogroup ; Soil ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Dracunculiasis, otherwise known as guinea worm disease (GWD), is caused by infection with the nematode Dracunculus medinensis. This nematode is transmitted to humans exclusively via contaminated drinking water. The transmitting vectors are Cyclops copepods (water fleas), which are tiny free-swimming crustaceans usually found abundantly in freshwater ponds. Humans can acquire GWD by drinking water that contains vectors infected with guinea worm larvae. This disease is prevalent in some of the most deprived areas of the world, and no vaccine or medicine is currently available. International efforts to eradicate dracunculiasis began in the early 1980s. Most dentists and maxillofacial surgeons have neglected this kind of parasite infection. However, when performing charitable work in developing countries near the tropic lines or other regions where GWD is endemic, it is important to consider GWD in cases of swelling or tumors of unknown origin. This paper reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical criteria, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and prevention of dracunculiasis. It also summarizes important factors for maxillofacial surgeons to consider.
Copepoda ; Dentists ; Developing Countries ; Dracunculiasis* ; Dracunculus Nematode ; Drinking Water ; Epidemiology ; Fresh Water ; Humans ; Larva ; Minocycline ; Parasites ; Ponds ; Surgery, Oral*

We analyzed 320 clinical samples of parasitic infections submitted to the Department of Environmental Biology and Medical Parasitology, Hanyang University from January 2004 to June 2011. They consisted of 211 nematode infections, 64 trematode or cestode infections, 32 protozoan infections, and 13 infections with arthropods. The nematode infections included 67 cases of trichuriasis, 62 of anisakiasis (Anisakis sp. and Pseudoterranova decipiens), 40 of enterobiasis, and 24 of ascariasis, as well as other infections including strongyloidiasis, thelaziasis, loiasis, and hookworm infecions. Among the cestode or trematode infections, we observed 27 cases of diphyllobothriasis, 14 of sparganosis, 9 of clonorchiasis, and 5 of paragonimiasis together with a few cases of taeniasis saginata, cysticercosis cellulosae, hymenolepiasis, and echinostomiasis. The protozoan infections included 14 cases of malaria, 4 of cryptosporidiosis, and 3 of trichomoniasis, in addition to infections with Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, and Toxoplasma gondii. Among the arthropods, we detected 6 cases of Ixodes sp., 5 of Phthirus pubis, 1 of Sarcoptes scabiei, and 1 of fly larva. The results revealed that trichuriasis, anisakiasis, enterobiasis, and diphyllobothriasis were the most frequently found parasitosis among the clinical samples.
Animals ; Arthropods/*pathogenicity ; Cestode Infections/*epidemiology ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology ; Malaria/epidemiology ; Nematode Infections/*epidemiology ; Protozoan Infections/*epidemiology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Trematode Infections/*epidemiology

PURPOSE: Recent studies have used the term "gastroallergic anisakiasis" to describe incidental gastrointestinal infection with Anisakis spp. larvae, proposed as a causative agent of food hypersensitivity. However, it is unknown whether this condition represents an independent disease entity distinguishable from acute gastric anisakiasis. To better understand the role of the allergic response in Anisakis infections we examined the clinical and immunological implications of Anisakis-specific IgE. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in a geographic region where the consumption of raw seafood is common. Case subjects who had been clinically diagnosed with gastroallergic anisakiasis were selected, along with controls who frequently ate raw seafood but had never experienced gastroallergic anisakiasis-like symptoms. Clinical and immunological features were compared based on atopic status, sensitization rates to Anisakis, and serum titer of Anisakis-specific IgE. RESULTS: Seventeen case subjects and 135 controls were included in this study. The case subjects had experienced gastrointestinal symptoms after raw seafood ingestion, along with additional mucocutaneous, respiratory, or multisystemic symptoms. Case subjects were significantly sensitized to Anisakis excretory-secretory product and crude extract compared with controls (76.5% vs. 19.3%, P<0.001, and 88.2% vs. 30.3%, P<0.001, respectively). Anisakis-specific serum IgE titers were also significantly higher in case subjects than in controls. Both the results of skin prick tests and elevated Anisakis-specific IgE titers (>17.5 kU/L) were found to be reliable indicators for the diagnosis of gastroallergic anisakiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients presenting acute gastric anisakiasis-like symptoms, a diagnosis of gastroallergic anisakiasis may be strongly supported by a high Anisakis-specific IgE titer.
Anisakiasis* ; Anisakis ; Diagnosis ; Eating ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity, Immediate ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunologic Tests* ; Larva ; Nematode Infections ; Prospective Studies ; Seafood ; Skin ; Skin Tests

To determine geographical patterns of natural parasite infections among wild rodents, a total of 46 wild rodents from 3 different localities in northern Gangwon-do (Province), Korea were examined for intestinal parasite infections. Along with nematodes such as hookworms and Syphacia spp., Plagiorchis muris (2 specimens) (Trematoda) were collected from striped field mice, Apodemus agrarius. In a Korean wood mouse, Apodemus peninsulae, the overall nematode infections were similar to A. agrarius, but an adult worm of Echinostoma hortense (Trematoda) was collected. In addition, 2 species of cestodes, i.e., Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta, were collected from A. agrarius. Through this survey, A. agrarius and A. peninsule were confirmed as the natural definite hosts for zoonotic intestinal helminths, i.e., P. muris, E. hortense, H. nana, and H. diminuta, in northern Gangwon-do, Korea. Considering increased leisure activities around these areas, seasonal and further comprehensive surveys on wild rodents seem to be needed to prevent zoonotic parasite infections.
Animals ; Cestoda/isolation & purification ; Cestode Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Geography ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Murinae ; Nematoda/isolation & purification ; Nematode Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Parasitic Diseases, Animal/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Rodent Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Trematoda/isolation & purification ; Trematode Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Zoonoses

The recent trends of parasitic infections in Korea include remarkable decreases of soil-transmitted nematode infections and elimination of lymphatic filariasis. In comparison, enterobiasis (pinworm infection) continues to be prevalent among children and the cases of zoonotic tissue-invading nematode infection are slightly increasing or they are being increasingly diagnosed. In addition, imported parasitoses continue to be problems from the clinical and public health points of view. In this review, the advances in the management and anthelmintic treatment of these nematode infections are briefly reviewed. Albendazole, mebendazole, thiabendazole, flubendazole, pyrantel pamoate, pyrvinium pamoate, oxantel pamoate, levamisole, ivermectin, and diethylcarbamazine are the examples of anti-nematode anthelmintics that are currently being used. Although several of these drugs are known to be broad-spectrum anthelmintics, selection of each drug should be done specifically for each nematode infection, and with consideration of the specific conditions of each patient and the purposes, for example, when performing individual or mass treatment. It is hoped that the chemotherapy regimens reviewed here will help physicians to treat their patients infected with nematode parasites.
Albendazole ; Anthelmintics ; Child ; Diethylcarbamazine ; Elephantiasis, Filarial ; Enterobiasis ; Humans ; Ivermectin ; Korea ; Levamisole ; Mebendazole ; Nematode Infections ; Parasites ; Public Health ; Pyrantel Pamoate ; Pyrvinium Compounds ; Thiabendazole

Animals ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; complications ; Child, Preschool ; Diaphragm ; blood supply ; Hemothorax ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Nematode Infections ; pathology ; Pleural Effusion ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo carry out national surveys for ascertaining the current status and trends of soil-transmitted nematode infections in China, providing scientific basis for further developing control strategies.

METHODSIn 1988-1992 (hereinafter abbreriated as "survey in 1990"), a stratified cluster random sampling method was used in the survey. In 2001-2004 (hereinafter abbreriated as "survey in 2003"), in order to compare with the survey in 1990, two-characteristic stratified cluster random sampling method was used and 687 investigation spots were sampled from the 2848 spots selected in the survey in 1990. Kato-Katz thick smear method was used to examine the eggs of soil-transmitted nematodes in fecal samples.

RESULTSThe prevalence rates were 53.6% and 19.6% for soil-transmitted nematodes, 14.6% and 6.120% for hookworms, 44.6% and 12.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 17.4% and 4.630% for Trichuris trichiura in survey 1990 and survey 2003, respectively. The prevalence rates of soil-transmitted nematodes were higher in 13 provinces than the average level in China in the survey in 1990, and higher in 8 provinces than the average level in the survey in 2003. The prevalence of hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes were higher in females than in males. It is estimated from the results of survey in 2003 that the number of persons with soil-transmitted nematode infections in the country is about 129 million, less than that in the survey in 1990.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes has declined considerably but is still relatively high in some provinces and autonomous regions. Control activities and socioeconomic development may have contributed to the decreased prevalence.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nematode Infections ; epidemiology ; transmission ; Occupational Exposure ; Prevalence

It is obvious that the general status of parasitic infections in Korea has shown a marked decrease, particularly in soil-transmitted helminthic infections. However, food-borne parasitic infections are still regarded as the major parasitic diseases of medical importance in Korea. Generally, the parasitic infections may occur from the following sources: by contaminated soil, water, vegetable and fruits, and other animals as food containing the parasites at their immature infective stage, in association with a domestic or wild animal harboring the parasite, and an ectoparasite that transmits the parasite by blood sucking. Human food-borne parasitic infections result from the consumption of undercooked or raw fish, shellfish, snails, vertebrates, and water plants as a food. These infections are significantly related to human behavioral patterns based on socioeconomic and cultural conditions and are linked with the biological and physical environments. Most of food-borne parasitic infections are considered as all parasitic zoonoses to man and animals. To understand the current status of food-borne parasitic infections in Korea, the author presents the list of overall food-borne parasitic infections caused by protozoan infection (toxoplasmosis), trematode infections (clonorchiasis, metagonimiasis, and some intestinal trematodiases), nematode infections (anisakiasis and trichinosis), and others with a briefly reviewed.
Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Anisakiasis ; Fruit ; Helminths ; Humans ; Korea ; Nematode Infections ; Parasites ; Parasitic Diseases* ; Protozoan Infections ; Shellfish ; Snails ; Soil ; Taeniasis ; Toxoplasmosis ; Trematode Infections ; Vegetables ; Vertebrates ; Zoonoses