OPISTHORCHIASIS MORBIDITY IN ALTAI KRAI: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS (2011-2022)

УДК 616.995.122-036.22(571.15)

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, opisthorchiasis presents a pressing and socially significant challenge in practical healthcare. Among biohelminthiasis, opisthorchiasis holds the highest incidence and significantly impacts population health. Aim. This study aims to conduct a retrospective epidemiological analysis of opisthorchiasis incidence in the Altai Krai (AK) from 2011 to 2022. Materials and Methods. The study utilized statistical form No. 2 of the Federal State Statistical Observation "Information on infectious and parasitic diseases" for 2011-2022. Intensive and extensive indicators were calculated, along with the arithmetic mean (X) and standard error of the mean (m). Statistical analysis was performed using the Microsoft Excel program. The mapping method was employed to identify spatial patterns, correlations, and combinations of geographically expressed phenomena. Results. Between 2011 and 2022, there was a notable trend towards a 2-fold decrease in opisthorchiasis morbidity in the Altai region, with rates dropping from 54.44±1.50⁰/₀₀₀₀ to 29.85±0.90⁰/₀₀₀₀. This decrease, while significant, still represented an 8.5% excess compared to the Russian Federation. However, in 2022, there was a concerning spike in morbidity, which was 2.3 times higher than the levels seen in the period of 2020-2021. This increase could potentially be linked to reduced healthcare-seeking behavior due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The highest rates of infection were observed among the adult population and children aged 7 to 17 years, averaging at 39.63±4.20⁰/₀₀₀₀. Urban areas showed a striking 64.9% excess in opisthorchiasis morbidity compared to rural regions. Specifically, twelve administrative districts, along with the cities of Barnaul and Belokurikha, stood out with rates exceeding 74.60⁰/₀₀₀₀. This heightened prevalence was attributed to their proximity to the Ob River and water bodies hosting carp fish species infected with opisthorchis larvae, with an average long-term infection rate of 7.2%. Conclusions. The endemic nature of opisthorchiasis in the Altai region, centered around the Ob River, combined with the significant infection levels in carp fish consumed by the local population, underscores the urgent need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance. Utilizing modern mathematical data processing techniques is crucial to bolster the efficacy of therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive measures against this parasitic invasion.