Kaewpitoon N, Kaewpitoon SJ, Pengsaa P. Food-borne parasitic zoonosis: Distribution of trichinosis in Thailand. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14(22): 3471-3475 [PMID: 18567073 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.3471]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Natthawut Kaewpitoon, Research and Diagnostic Center for Parasitic Infectious Diseases, Northeastern Region, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Rajathanee University, 85 Warinchamrap District, Ubonratchathani 34190, Thailand. natthawut.k@ubu.ac.th
Article-Type of This Article
Review
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Natthawut Kaewpitoon, Soraya Jatesadapattaya Kaewpitoon, Research and Diagnostic Center for Parasitic Infectious Diseases, Northeastern Region, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Rajathanee University, 85 Warinchamrap District, Ubonratchathani 34190, Thailand
Prasit Pengsaa, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Rajathanee University, 85 Warinchamrap District, Ubonratchathani 34190, Thailand
Author contributions: Kaewpitoon N designed, reviewed, analyzed and wrote the paper; Kaewpitoon SJ reviewed and wrote the paper; Pengsaa P collected proof.
Correspondence to: Natthawut Kaewpitoon, Research and Diagnostic Center for Parasitic Infectious Diseases, Northeastern Region, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Rajathanee University, 85 Warinchamrap District, Ubonratchathani 34190, Thailand. natthawut.k@ubu.ac.th
Telephone: +66-4535-3909
Fax: +66-4535-3901
Received: December 17, 2007 Revised: May 9, 2008 Accepted: May 16, 2008 Published online: June 14, 2008
Abstract
Trichinosis is among the most common food-borne parasitic zoonoses in Thailand and many outbreaks are reported each year. This paper investigates the distribution of the disease in regions of north, north-east, central and south Thailand. Between the earliest recorded of outbreak of trichinosis in Mae Hong Son Province in 1962 and 2006, there have been 135 outbreaks involving 7340 patients and 97 deaths in Thailand. The highest number of cases, 557, was recorded in 1983. Most infected patients were in the 35-44 year age group, and the disease occurred more frequently in men than women during 1962-2003, with no significant sex difference during 2004-2006. Outbreaks were most common in the northern areas, especially in rural areas where raw and under-cooked pork and/or wild animals are eaten. Human infections occur annually in northern Thailand during communal feasts celebrating the Thai New Year. Trichinosis causes have been reported every year, supporting the need for planning education programs.
