Towards Evidence-based Control of Opisthorchis viverrini
Thomas Crellen, Paiboon Sithithaworn, Opal Pitaksakulrat, Narong Khuntikeo, Graham F. Medley, T. Déirdre Hollingsworth
Abstract
Transmission of the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is ongoing across Southeast Asia. Endemic countries within the region are in different stages of achieving control. However, evidence on which interventions are the most effective for reducing parasite transmission, and the resulting liver cancer, is currently lacking. Quantitative modelling can be used to evaluate different control measures against O. viverrini and assist the design of clinical trials. In this article we evaluate the epidemiological parameters that underpin models of O. viverrini and the data necessary for their estimation, with the aim of developing evidence-based strategies for parasite control at a national or regional level.