Liver fluke infection caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major public health problem in Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR; Laos). Currently, more than 600 million people are at risk of infection with these fish-borne trematodes and/or their close relatives. Opisthorchiasis has been studied extensively in Thailand, where about 8 million people are infected with the liver fluke. Here we review the pathogenesis, control and re-emergence of O. viverrini infection, in particular in Thailand and, to a lesser extent in Lao PDR given the contiguous geographical range of O. viverrini through these two regions. We also review the association of O. viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct cancer, and highlight new findings on pathogenesis of liver fluke-induced cholangiocarcinogenesis. Last, we comment on national control strategies in Thailand for the control of O. viverrini infection aimed at reduction in the prevalence of O. viverrini-associated liver cancer in the longer term.
Graphical abstract
Liver fluke infection caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major public health problem in Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Many millions of people in East Asia are at risk of infection with these fish-borne trematodes and/or their close relatives.
▶ Opisthorchis viverrini, fish-borne parasite infection (liver fluke); infection acquired from undercooked freshwater fishes. ▶ Opisthorchiasis, highly prevalent in the Isan region of northeastern Thailand and Laos. ▶ Opisthorchis infection is a known cause of cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct cancer. ▶ Cholangiocarcinoma, like opisthorchiasis, is highly prevalent in Isan region of northeastern Thailand and in Laos. ▶ New public health measures are needed to control Opisthorchis-associated cholangiocarcinoma.
