OPISTORCHIASIS IN SOUTH-WEST ASIA: HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND SOCIOLOGY. TOURISM AND POPULATION MOVEMENT INCREASE THE RISK OF THAI LIVER FLUKE SPREADING IN RUSSIA

This review covers the incidence of opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini in South-East Asia countries: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. We analyzed the history of Opisthorchiidae representative’s discovery and cultural aspects of opisthorchiasis in South-East Asia. The most prevalent cancer type in Thailand is cholangiocarcinoma that is caused by Opisthorchiidae invasion. These parasites are transmitted to humans through raw fish consumption. Sociological studies demonstrated that raw fish food is the part of national traditions and identity of South-East Asian people. Tourism and population movement lead to the spreading of “Asian” Opisthorchiidae in Russia. The high prevalence of Opisthorchis felineus invasion in Russia may both simplify or complicate the clinical recognition of “Asian” opisthorchiasis. Molecular and genetic characteristics of the parasites determine their adaptivity, medication resistance, and finally, the clinical manifestations of opisthorchiasis. It contributes to the further understanding of chronic opisthorchiasis treatment.