Prevalence of Helminthic Disease Transmission and Population Health Behavior in the Area of the Sri Song Rak Watergate Project, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of intestinal helminth and protozoan infections in humans, identify zoonotic parasite carriers, and assess health behaviors among residents in high-risk communities within the area of the Sri Song Rak Watergate Project. The study was carried out between March and April 2023. Findings: 1) Stool examination of 388 individuals revealed a 9.28% infection rate with a total of 9 different species of intestinal parasites and protozoa. The helminths identified were Strongyloides spp. (33.33%), Taenia spp. (16.67%), Hookworms (16.67%), Opisthorchis viverrini (2.78%), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.78%), Trichuris trichiura (2.78%), Minute intestinal flukes (2.78%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.78%), and Echinostoma spp. (2.78%). Protozoa found included Blastocystis hominis (16.67%), Sarcocystis hominis (2.78%) and Giardia lamblia (2.78%). Not found Schistosoma mekongi eggs, the blood fluke known to infect humans, were detected. 2) Examination of fecal samples from potential animal reservoirs revealed an overall parasite prevalence of 41.59%. Infections were found in goats (66.67%), buffaloes (54.05%), cats (44.83%), cattle (36.27%), and dogs (25.00%). Two zoonotic helminths were identified: Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm) and Spirometra mansoni (tapeworm), both of which can infect humans. Although Schistosoma mekongi was not detected in this study, Opisthorchis viverrini, a liver fluke known to cause cholangiocarcinoma and hepatobiliary disease, was identified. This parasite completes its life cycle in aquatic environments, suggesting the local water sources within the project area are integral to its transmission. Additionally, a variety of other parasite eggs were detected in both human and animal samples, particularly from dogs and cats, indicating their potential role in zoonotic transmission. This study underscores the need for continuous surveillance, prevention, and control of helminthic infections, especially liver fluke infections, in the project area. There is also an urgent need to develop and implement mitigation plans addressing the public health impact of parasitic diseases related to water resource development projects. Public health campaigns should promote sustained behavioral changes in at-risk populations to reduce parasitic disease transmission.