and Centrocestus spp. metacercariae in pla-som due to the fact that no
contamination by these parasites was identified in fish. Further study
on this is required.
4. Conclusions
The present results demonstrate that the viability and infectivity of
OVMC to the host differ depending on the pla-som fermentation period.
Pla-som fermentation for 4 days or less increases the possibility
of infection with OVMC. Thus, one important way of preventing
O. viverrini infection would be to cook pla-som well before eating.
Moreover, in order to prevent OVMC infection in those who consume
pla-som, fish should be stored in a refrigerator for 3 days before the
fermentation process begins. The results of this study may help to
promote healthier eating habits among persons who often consume
raw fish, and also provide health education for manufacturers and
producers of fermented fish dishes.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Higher Education Research
Promotion and National Research Universities Project, Office of the
Higher Education Commission, Thailand, through the Health Cluster,
Khon Kaen University (SHeP-GMS, NRU542011) and The Royal Golden
Jubilee Ph.D. Program (to SO and SP) (PHD/0167/2556). We thank the
research assistants at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University,
for technical support. We also would like to acknowledge Prof. Christopher
C. Salisbury and Mr. Dylan Southard for their editing the MS.