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Tissue parasitic helminthiases are prevalent at Cheongjin, North Korea.

Tissue parasitic helminthiases are prevalent at Cheongjin, North Korea.

Authors :
Chenghua Shen
Shunyu Li
Shanzi Zheng
Min-Ho Choi
Young Mee Bae
Sung-Tae Hong
Source :
Korean Journal of Parasitology; Jun2007, Vol. 45 Issue 2, p139-144, 6p
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

We investigated a small-scale serological survey to screen tissue-parasitic helminthiases of North Koreans as one of research programs for re-unification of Korea. Soil-transmitted helminthiases were found highly prevalent among North Korean residents at the border with China. ELISA using 4 tissue-parasitic helminth antigens was applied to 137 residents living in Cheongjin-shi, Hamgyeongbuk-do, North Korea and 133 female refugees in South Korea in 2004-2005. Among a total of 270 samples, 31 (11.5%), 25 (9.3%), and 11 (4.1%) were positive for specific IgG antibodies to antigens of Clonorchis sinensis, Taenia solium metacestode, and sparganum, respectively. The overall positive rate was 21.5%; 38.2% in males and 15.8% in females. The present finding suggests that tissue parasites, such as C. sinensis, T. solium metacestode and sparganum are highly prevalent in some limited areas of North Korea. These foodborne tissue-parasitic helminthiases should be considered for future control measures of parasitic diseases in North Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00234001
Volume :
45
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Korean Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25482248
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2007.45.2.139