Seroepidemiology of human fascioliasis and its relationship with anti-Fasciola IgG and liver enzymes as biomarkers of pathogenicity.
Background
Fascioliasis has never been considered a public health concern in Pakistan, although the increasing numbers of human cases reported in south Asia need a re-consideration in the country. The current study aimed to find the seroprevalence of human fascioliasis, associated risk factors and its relationship with liver enzymes as biomarkers of pathogenicity.


Methods
The cross-sectional study was conducted in different districts of Punjab region from May 2014 to August 2016. A total of 546 respondents were screened by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum biochemical tests.


Results
Higher seroprevalence was recorded in Muzaffargarh (6.2%) and Bhara kahu (5.9%), while low infection rate in Gujranwala (1.1%) and Islamabad (1.5%). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed rural inhabitants (OR=7.9, 95%CI: 2.5-24.8), females (OR=3.5, 95%CI: 1.7-7.1), family size 3-7 (OR=1.7, 95%CI: 1.0-2.9) and socioeconomic condition (OR=3.9, 95%CI: 1.5-10.4) were the significantly (p<0.005) associated risk factors with disease. The results of liver enzymes i.e. aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and cholesterol levels were significantly (p=0.001) elevated and associated with fascioliasis pathogenicity.


Conclusion
The higher prevalence recorded may explain with Fasciola IgG antibodies for both active and past infections and cross reactivity of the assay with other helminthes.
['Afshan|Kiran|K|', 'Kabeer|Saman|S|', 'Firasat|Sabika|S|', 'Jahan|Sarwat|S|', 'Qayyum|Mazhar|M|']
D000410:Alanine Transaminase D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase D000818:Animals D000909:Antibodies, Helminth D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases D015415:Biomarkers D002784:Cholesterol D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay D005210:Fasciola hepatica D005211:Fascioliasis D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007074:Immunoglobulin G D008099:Liver D008297:Male D058069:Neglected Diseases D010154:Pakistan D012424:Rural Population D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies D055815:Young Adult
Human fascioliasis liver enzymes Pakistan immunodiagnosis