Update on the risk factors for opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the recent risk factors for Opisthorchis viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) to improve disease prevention. The participants were divided into the following 3 groups based on their health status: healthy control (nonOV and nonCCA), those with O. viverrini infection (OV), and those with CCA. A questionnaire was used to explore their lifestyle and behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression and backward elimination were used to identify the significant risk factors. The results showed that the significant risk factors for both O. viverrini infection and CCA were age>50 years (odd ratio (OR)=8.44, p<0.001, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.98–23.90 and OR=43.47, p=0.001, 95% CI 14.71–128.45, respectively) and raw fish consumption (OR=8.48, p< 0.001, 95% CI 3.18–22.63 and OR=3.15, p=0.048, 95% CI 1.01–9.86, respectively). A history of O. viverrini infection was identified as an additional risk factor for CCA (OR=20.93, p=0.011, 95% CI 2.04–215.10). This study provided an update on the risk factors for O. viverrini infection and CCA. Asymptomatic patients with O. viverrini infection, particularly those>50 years old, should be carefully monitored to prevent CCA.