Scientists
from the University of Liverpool are joining forces with Khon Kaen University
in Thailand to investigate how a parasitic infection in fish increases the risk
of liver inflammation and cancer in local village communities.
Opisthorchiasis
is a parasitic disease caused by the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini. It is
a disease of poor communities and is endemic in northeastern Thailand and the
neighbouring Mekong region, where there is a heavy reliance on fishing for food
or income generation.
Many of
these fish are infected with O. viverrini, and if eaten raw or undercooked
liver fluke infection can occur. This infection can lead to inflammation of the
bile ducts and many patients will then go on to develop bile duct cancer.
High risk individuals
Professor
Steve Edwards and Dr Helen Wright from the University’s Institute of
Integrative Biology have been awarded an Institutional Links grant by the
Newton Fund to carry out a joint research project and facilitate staff and
student exchanges between both universities. Two MBiolSci students, Charlotte
Price and Edward Spofford, will work on this project in Khon Kaen. They will
work alongside Professor Banchob Sripa, who is head of the WHO Collaborating
Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis at Khon Kaen University.
The team
will investigate the innate immune responses in patients with opisthorchiasis
and healthy controls to determine if this can predict ‘high risk’ individuals
who are likely to develop liver cancer following infections.
A One
Health approach will also be used to decrease rates of liver fluke infection in
Kalasin Province in Northeast Thailand. This tried and tested approach, which
has already reduced infection rates elsewhere in Thailand, uses anthelmintic
treatment alongside education programmes in schools and local communities.
Making an impact
Professor
Edwards said: “We are very excited to become involved in this important project
that affects the health, well-being and livelihood of inhabitants of this
economically-challenged area.
“This
project is likely to have a significant impact on the villagers of this area
who rely on the wetlands for their livelihoods and it could save many lives. It
is also a fantastic opportunity for our students to get involved and make an
active contribution to this important health and economic problem.”
The
Newton Fund project is jointly funded by the British Council and the Office of
the Higher Education Commission in Thailand.
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