Korean J Parasitol.  2001 Mar;39(1):23-30. 10.3347/kjp.2001.39.1.23.

A nationwide survey of the prevalence of human Gymnophalloides seoi infection on western and southern coastal islands in the Republic of Korea

• Chai JY
• Park JH
• Han ET
• Shin EH
• Kim JL
• Hong KS
• Rim HJ
• Lee SH

• KMID: 1720330
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2001.39.1.23

Abstract

A nationwide survey was performed to know the distribution and prevalence of human Gymnophalloides seoi infection on western and southern coastal islands in the Republic of Korea. A total of 4,178 fecal specimens were collected from residents on 45 (24 western and 21 southern) islands, and examined by Kato-Katz and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques. Eggs of G. seoi were detected from 160 (3.8%) people living on 22 (13 western and 9 southern) islands. The prevalence varied by the location of islands; higher on western islands than on southern islands. The highest prevalence was found on Amtaedo (25.3%), followed by Cheungdo (25.0%), and Anchwado (20.9%) (Shinan-gun). A little lower prevalence was observed on Munyodo (13.3%), Shinshido (12.9%), and Sonyudo (10.3%) (Kunsan-shi). Of the remaining islands, the regions showing the prevalence greater than 5% included Kohado, Dallido (Mokpo-shi), Pyeongildo, Kogumdo (Wando-gun), and Keogumdo (Kohung-gun). A strong age predilection was noted (P < 0.05); 95% of the infected people were over 40 years old. Females showed a little higher prevalence than males. The results indicate that human G. seoi infection is more widely distributed than previously considered. Nine of 11 islands (excluding the 2 known areas Munyodo and Sunyudo) that showed greater prevalence than 5% are regarded as new endemic foci of G. seoi.

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Animals
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Human
Infant
Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/*epidemiology
Korea/epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Sex Factors
Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Trematode Infections/*epidemiology