Investigation of clinical and epidemiological features of Opisthorchis felineus invasion in Voronezh region

Abstract

The functioning of a natural focus of opisthorchiasis with a high level of epidemiological risk has been established within the borders of the Voronezh region, which forms the social and medical significance of the invasion. The aim of the study was study the epidemiology of opisthorchiasis and analyze the features of the clinical manifestations of the chronic opisthorchiasis invasion in the natural focus of the Voronezh region. Clinical and epidemiological data, the results of general clinical laboratory studies, as well as parasitological, serological, instrumental studies were analyzed. The epidemiological features of chronic opisthorchiasis have been studied and it has been established that the leading factor in the transmission of opisthorchiasis in the Voronezh region is the insufficiently thermally processed carp fish used for food. A detailed analysis of the clinical manifestations of helminthiasis was carried out and the main syndromes of chronic opisthorchiasis — asthenovegetative and dyspeptic — were identified. It was noted that there were no significant changes in hemogram parameters in the form of leukocytosis and eosinophilia. The biochemical parameters of the blood of patients with chronic opisthorchiasis also showed no deviations from normal values. During ultrasound of the abdominal organs, some patients showed hepatomegaly, diffuse liver changes, and biliary dyskinesia. The results of a serological blood test by ELISA revealed antibodies — immunoglobulins of class G — to the causative agent of opisthorchiasis in a small percentage of the infected, which is probably due to the significant immunosuppressive effect of the parasite. When carrying out parasitological diagnostics of helminthiasis — coproovoscopic examination by the method of acetic-ether deposition — the eggs of Opisthorchis felineus were found in 80.4 % of the infested. All patients underwent coproovoscopic examination once. It was found that the most valuable diagnostic method for verifying the diagnosis of chronic opisthorchiasis is coproovoscopy.