Status of Helminthic Infections in Residents around River Basins in the Republic of Korea for 10 Years (2011-2020)

Abstract

The positive rate of <i>Clonorchis sinensis</i> is the highest among intestinal parasites in the Republic of Korea (Korea). More than 1.2 million people were at risk of <i>C. sinensis</i> infection in Korea in 2012. An intensive control program is being implemented for residents of the 5 major river basins to reduce helminthic infections, including <i>C. sinensis</i> infection. This study evaluated the continuous intensive control program for parasitic diseases including clonorchiasis in areas near the 5 major river basins in Korea over the past 10 years (2011-2020). A total of 335,020 fecal samples (one sample per resident) prepared by the modified sedimentation technic were microscopically examined. Those who expelled helminth eggs were treated with anthelmintics through local health centers and re-examined 3 months later. The overall positive rate of helminths egg was 7.1%. The annual positive rates were dramatically decreased from 14.4% (2011) to 5.9% (2020). The egg positive rate was highest in <i>C. sinensis</i> (5.3%), followed by heterophyid flukes (1.5%) and <i>Trichuris trichiura</i> (0.2%). The prevalence of <i>C. sinensis</i> was significantly higher in males (7.6%) than in females (3.7%), and the highest in the 50–59 years (7.0%) age group. Our results are beneficial to establish prevention and control policies against helminthiases including clonorchiasis in endemic areas in this country.