Hanyang Med Rev.  2010 Aug;30(3):149-155. 10.7599/hmr.2010.30.3.149.

Changing Patterns of Human Parasitic Infection in Korea

• Ahn MH

• KMID: 1460250
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7599/hmr.2010.30.3.149

Abstract

Parasitic infections in Korea have been well controlled during the last 40 years. Soil-transmitted helminthes, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections are almostly removed in this country. Recently, filariasis by Brugia malayi disappeared and no lymphatic filariasis in Korea was announced by WHO in 2008. However, foodborne parasitic infection, such as clonorchiasis and anisakiasis are prominent, recently. Indigenous malaria by Plasmodium vivax has been eradicated in 1970s, and a re-emerged vivax malaria from demilitary zone (DMZ) was reported in 1993. Above 1,000 cases of vivax malaria were reported annually in soldiers and civilians. Imported parasitic diseases, including malaria would be increased by travelers going abroad. This review focused on the changing patterns of human parasitic infections in Korea.

Keyword

Parasitic infection; Changing pattern; Clonorchiasis; Re-emerged malaria; Korea

MeSH Terms

Anisakiasis
Ascaris lumbricoides
Brugia malayi
Clonorchiasis
Elephantiasis, Filarial
Filariasis
Helminths
Hookworm Infections
Humans
Korea
Malaria
Malaria, Vivax
Military Personnel
Parasitic Diseases
Plasmodium vivax
Trichuris