Pathogenesis of Liver Fluke Induced Cancer in Thailand

Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) is a parasite that individuals get from eating raw fish. Infections with this parasite have been associated with liver abnormalities that sometimes lead to bile duct cancer. The purpose of this study is to find out how many people in several areas of the Khon Kaen province are infected with OV, what affect this parasite has on the liver, how the immune system reacts to infection with this parasite, and how the liver is 12 months after being treated for this parasite. Study participants will include 6,000 volunteers, ages 20-60, living in villages surrounding Khon Kaen that have large numbers of people infected with OV. Study procedures will include a stool sample, an ultrasound (sound waves bounced off internal organs to create a picture), and a blood sample. Individuals found to test positive for the parasite will be treated at their local primary health care unit. Participants will be involved in study procedures for up to 12 months.

Sex

All

Minimum age

20 Years

Maximum age

60 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males and females between 20 and 60 years of age, inclusive, infected with Opisthorchis viverrini
2. Willingness to participate in the study as evidenced by signing the informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to correctly answer all questions on the informed consent comprehension questionnaire.
2. Attends school or works full-time outside of the study area.
3. Behavioral, cognitive, or psychiatric disease that in the opinion of the investigator affects the ability of the volunteer to understand and cooperate with the study protocol.
4. Other condition that in the opinion of the investigator would jeopardize the safety or rights of a volunteer to participate in the trial or would render the subject unable to comply with the protocol.
5. A positive urine Beta-hCG pregnancy test for females.