Prevalence and spatial distribution of heterophyidiasis in Southern Philippines

Heterophyidiasis is a fish-borne zoonotic disease that is considered to be an emerging public health problem in the Philippines. This study was carried out to determine the spatial distribution and risk factors of heterophyidiasis in five selected villages in New Corella, Davao del Norte in Southern Mindanao. Of the 1,101 individuals examined, 26 (2.36% overall prevalence rate, 95% CI 1.46–3.25) were positive for heterophyid eggs. Higher infection rate was observed in males (3.85%, 95% CI 2.27–5.43) than females (0.76%, 95% CI 0.02–1.5). Mapping of cases was done to show the spatial distribution of heterophyidiasis in New Corella. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that gender, raw freshwater fish consumption, undercooked grilled fish consumption and proximity to rivers or creeks are the risk factors significantly associated with heterophyid infection. This study confirmed the presence of heterophyid infection in humans in the surveyed villages in New Corella in Southern Philippines.