Parasites, Hosts and Diseases

"Seok Ho Cha"

Original Article

Clonorchis sinensis dopamine transporter (CsDAT) facilitates dopamine uptake: Wang-Jong Lee, Sung-Jun Kim, Woon Kyu Lee, Jin-Hee Han, Seok Ho Cha; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):215-227.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25040

Clonorchis sinensis is a liver fluke that causes clonorchiasis, a significant public health concern in East Asia, closely associated with hepatobiliary diseases. Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular signaling, and its uptake by trematodes may contribute to parasite physiology and survival. This study aimed to characterize the dopamine transporter CsDAT in C. sinensis by synthesizing cDNA from adult worms and expressing it in Xenopus laevis oocytes; subsequently, uptake assays were conducted using radiolabeled dopamine. Functional assays confirmed that CsDAT mediates dopamine uptake in a sodium-dependent manner. The uptake was saturable and exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Michaelis constant of 454.5 nM and a maximum uptake rate of 1,422.5 fmol/oocyte/h. CsDAT efficiently transported dopamine with high affinity, indicating its physiological relevance in the parasite. A 3-dimensional model of CsDAT was constructed to examine its structural features. The predicted structure contained a conserved substrate-binding pocket similar to that of other known neurotransmitter transporters. Molecular docking simulations showed that dopamine stably fits within the binding pocket. The key amino acid residues formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with dopamine. Interestingly, dopamine and several inhibitors demonstrated higher binding affinity to CsDAT than the human dopamine transporter. This study provides the first functional and structural insights into CsDAT. The higher inhibitor-binding affinity of CsDAT compared to human dopamine transporter suggests its potential for use in therapeutic exploration. Targeting CsDAT may facilitate the development of new therapeutic agents against clonorchiasis with minimal off-target effects on the human nervous system.

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Brief Communication

Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts: Ernest Mazigo, Hojong Jun, Wang-Jong Lee, Johnsy Mary Louis, Fadhila Fitriana, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Fauzi Muh, Feng Lu, Md Atique Ahmed, Seok Ho Cha, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Se Jin Lee, Sunghun Na, Joon-Hee Han, Nyalali Kija, Smart Geodfrey, Eun-Teak Han, Jim Todd, Alphaxard Manjurano, Winifrida Kidima, Jin-Hee Han; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(1):57-65.
Published online February 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24077

As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.

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Hidden reservoirs of infection: prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in a high-endemic region of Zambia
Wisdom Silwamba, David Chisompola, John Nzobokela, Martin Chakulya, Lombe Kabwe, Kingsley Tembo
Malaria Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Emergence of chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum and rising resistance to first-line artemisinin partner drugs in Malawi
Ernest Mazigo, Hojong Jun, Wang-Jong Lee, Johnsy Mary Louis, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Fadhila Fitriana, Fauzi Muh, Md Atique Ahmed, Feng Lu, Joon-Hee Han, Tae-Hyung Kwon, Se Jin Lee, Sunghun Na, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Eun-Taek Han, Winifrida Kidima, Jin-
Emerging Microbes & Infections.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
First report of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions compromising HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Malawi
Johnsy Mary Louis, Ernest Mazigo, Hojong Jun, Wang-Jong Lee, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Fadhila Fitriana, Fauzi Muh, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Se Jin Lee, Sunghun Na, Feng Lu, Eun-Teak Han, Jin-Hee Han
Infectious Diseases of Poverty.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Micro-geographic variation in antigenic diversity of PfEBA-175 region II in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in Tanzania
Jadidan Hada Syahada, Wang-Jong Lee, Hojong Jun, Johnsy Mary Louis, Fadhila Fitriana, Fauzi Muh, Feng Lu, Md Atique Ahmed, Sunghun Na, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Bo-Young Jeon, Eun-Teak Han, Jim Todd, Alphaxard Manjurano, Winifrida Kidima, Ernest Mazigo,
Frontiers in Immunology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Original Articles

Functional characterization of glucose transporter 4 involved in glucose uptake in Clonorchis sinensis: Hojong Jun, Ernest Mazigo, Wang-Jong Lee, Yun-Kyu Park, Jin-Hee Han, Seok Ho Cha; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(4):450-460.
Published online November 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24051

Clonorchis sinensis, which causes clonorchiasis, is prevalent in East Asian countries and poses notable health risks, including bile duct complications. Although praziquantel is the primary treatment for the disease, the emerging resistance among trematodes highlights the need for alternative strategies. Understanding the nutrient uptake mechanisms in trematodes, including C. sinensis, is crucial for developing future effective treatments. This study aimed to characterize the function of C. sinensis glucose transporter 4 (CsGTP4) and determine its role in nutrient uptake employing synthesized cDNA of adult C. sinensis worms. The functional characterization of CsGTP4 involved injecting its cRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes and analyzing the deoxy-D-glucose uptake levels. The results demonstrated that deoxy-D-glucose uptake depended on the deoxy-D-glucose incubation and CsGTP4 expression time, but not sodium-dependent. The concentration-dependent uptake followed the Michaelis–Menten equation, with a Km value of 2.7 mM and a Vmax value of 476 pmol/oocyte/h based on the Lineweaver–Burk analysis. No uptake of radiolabeled α-ketoglutarate, p-aminohippurate, taurocholate, arginine, or carnitine was observed. The uptake of deoxy-D-glucose by CsGTP4 was significantly inhibited by unlabeled glucose and galactose in a concentration-dependent manner. It was significantly inhibited under strongly acidic and basic conditions. These insights into the glucose uptake kinetics and pH dependency of CsGTP4 provide a deeper understanding of nutrient acquisition in trematodes. This study contributes to the development of novel antiparasitic agents, addressing a considerable socioeconomic challenge in affected regions.

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Clonorchis sinensis dopamine transporter (CsDAT) facilitates dopamine uptake
Wang-Jong Lee, Sung-Jun Kim, Woon Kyu Lee, Jin-Hee Han, Seok Ho Cha
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(3): 215. CrossRef

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Functional characterization of Clonorchis sinensis choline transporter: Jeong Yeon Won, Johnsy Mary Louis, Eui Sun Roh, Seok Ho Cha, Jin-Hee Han; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(4):428-438.
Published online November 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23082

Clonorchis sinensis is commonly found in East Asian countries. Clonorchiasis is prevalent in these countries and can lead to various clinical symptoms. In this study, we used overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system to isolate a cDNA encoding the choline transporter of C. sinensis (CsChT). We subsequently characterized recombinant CsChT. Expression of CsChT in X. laevis oocytes enabled efficient transport of radiolabeled choline, with no detectable uptake of arginine, α-ketoglutarate, p-aminohippurate, taurocholate, and estrone sulfate. Influx and efflux experiments showed that CsChT-mediated choline uptake was time- and sodium-dependent, with no exchange properties. Concentration-dependent analyses of revealed saturable kinetics consistent with the Michaelis–Menten equation, while nonlinear regression analyses revealed a Km value of 8.3 μM and a Vmax of 61.0 pmol/oocyte/h. These findings contribute to widen our understanding of CsChT transport properties and the cascade of choline metabolisms within C. sinensis.

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Functional characterization of glucose transporter 4 involved in glucose uptake in Clonorchis sinensis
Hojong Jun, Ernest Mazigo, Wang-Jong Lee, Yun-Kyu Park, Jin-Hee Han, Seok Ho Cha
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2024; 62(4): 450. CrossRef

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Brief Communication

Characterization of Echinostoma cinetorchis endoribonuclease, RNase H: Sung-Bin Lim, Seok Ho Cha, Seung Jegal, Hojong Jun, Seo Hye Park, Bo-Young Jeon, Jhang Ho Pak, Young Yil Bakh, Tong-Soo Kim, Hyeong-Woo Lee; Korean J Parasitol 2017;55(4):451-455.
Published online August 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2017.55.4.451

Abstract
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Echinostoma cinetorchis is an oriental intestinal fluke causing significant pathological damage to the small intestine. The aim of this study was to determine a full-length cDNA sequence of E. cinetorchis endoribonuclease (RNase H; EcRNH) and to elucidate its molecular biological characters. EcRNH consisted of 308 amino acids and showed low similarity to endoribonucleases of other parasites (<40%). EcRNH had an active site centered on a putative DDEED motif instead of DEDD conserved in other species. A recombinant EcRNH produced as a soluble form in Escherichia coli showed enzymatic activity to cleave the 3'-O-P bond of RNA in a DNA-RNA duplex, producing 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate. These findings may contribute to develop antisense oligonucleotides which could damage echinostomes and other flukes.

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Original Articles

Evaluation of the Accuracy of the EasyTest™ Malaria Pf/Pan Ag, a Rapid Diagnostic Test, in Uganda: Chom-Kyu Chong, Pyo Yun Cho, Byoung-Kuk Na, Seong Kyu Ahn, Jin Su Kim, Jin-Soo Lee, Sung-Keun Lee, Eun-Taek Han, Hak-Yong Kim, Yun-Kyu Park, Seok Ho Cha, Tong-Soo Kim; Korean J Parasitol 2014;52(5):501-505.
Published online October 22, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2014.52.5.501

Abstract
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In recent years, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been widely used for malaria detection, primarily because of their simple operation, fast results, and straightforward interpretation. The Asan EasyTest™ Malaria Pf/Pan Ag is one of the most commonly used malaria RDTs in several countries, including Korea and India. In this study, we tested the diagnostic performance of this RDT in Uganda to evaluate its usefulness for field diagnosis of malaria in this country. Microscopic and PCR analyses, and the Asan EasyTest™ Malaria Pf/Pan Ag rapid diagnostic test, were performed on blood samples from 185 individuals with suspected malaria in several villages in Uganda. Compared to the microscopic analysis, the sensitivity of the RDT to detect malaria infection was 95.8% and 83.3% for Plasmodium falciparum and non-P. falciparum, respectively. Although the diagnostic sensitivity of the RDT decreased when parasitemia was ≤500 parasites/?l, it showed 96.8% sensitivity (98.4% for P. falciparum and 93.8% for non-P. falciparum) in blood samples with parasitemia ≥100 parasites/?l. The specificity of the RDT was 97.3% for P. falciparum and 97.3% for non-P. falciparum. These results collectively suggest that the accuracy of the Asan EasyTest™ Malaria Pf/Pan Ag makes it an effective point-of-care diagnostic tool for malaria in Uganda.

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Asymptomatic malaria infection, associated factors and accuracy of diagnostic tests in a historically high transmission setting in Northern Uganda
Bosco B. Agaba, Simon P. Rugera, Ruth Mpirirwe, Martha Atekat, Samuel Okubal, Khalid Masereka, Miseal Erionu, Bosco Adranya, Gertrude Nabirwa, Patrick B. Odong, Yasin Mukiibi, Isaac Ssewanyana, Susan Nabadda, Enoch Muwanguzi
Malaria Journal.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenases in Myanmar isolates
Jinyoung Lee, Tae Im Kim, Hương Giang Lê, Won Gi Yoo, Jung-Mi Kang, Seong-Kyu Ahn, Moe Kyaw Myint, Khin Lin, Tong-Soo Kim, Byoung-Kuk Na
Malaria Journal.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Limitations of rapid diagnostic tests in malaria surveys in areas with varied transmission intensity in Uganda 2017-2019: Implications for selection and use of HRP2 RDTs
Agaba B. Bosco, Joaniter I. Nankabirwa, Adoke Yeka, Sam Nsobya, Karryn Gresty, Karen Anderson, Paul Mbaka, Christiane Prosser, David Smith, Jimmy Opigo, Rhoda Namubiru, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, John Kissa, Samuel Gonahasa, Sungho Won, Bora Lee, Chae Seung Lim,
PLOS ONE.2020; 15(12): e0244457. CrossRef
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Avinash N. Mukkala, Jason Kwan, Rachel Lau, David Harris, Dylan Kain, Andrea K. Boggild
Current Infectious Disease Reports.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Comparative Assessment of Diagnostic Performances of Two Commercial Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits for Detection of Plasmodium spp. in Ugandan Patients with Malaria
Young Yil Bahk, Seo Hye Park, Woojoo Lee, Kyoung Jin, Seong Kyu Ahn, Byoung-Kuk Na, Tong-Soo Kim
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2018; 56(5): 447. CrossRef
An Evaluation of Active Case Detection in Malaria Control Program in Kiyuni Parish of Kyankwanzi District, Uganda
Young Yil Bahk, Pyo Yun Cho, Seong Kyu Ahn, Woo-Joo Lee, Tong-Soo Kim
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2018; 56(6): 625. CrossRef
Comparison of the diagnostic performance of microscopic examination with nested polymerase chain reaction for optimum malaria diagnosis in Upper Myanmar
Jung-Mi Kang, Pyo-Yun Cho, Mya Moe, Jinyoung Lee, Hojong Jun, Hyeong-Woo Lee, Seong Kyu Ahn, Tae Im Kim, Jhang Ho Pak, Moe Kyaw Myint, Khin Lin, Tong-Soo Kim, Byoung-Kuk Na
Malaria Journal.2017;[Epub] CrossRef
A Cluster Randomised Trial Introducing Rapid Diagnostic Tests into Registered Drug Shops in Uganda: Impact on Appropriate Treatment of Malaria
Anthony K. Mbonye, Pascal Magnussen, Sham Lal, Kristian S. Hansen, Bonnie Cundill, Clare Chandler, Siân E. Clarke, Roly D Gosling
PLOS ONE.2015; 10(7): e0129545. CrossRef

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Seroprevalence of Plasmodium vivax in the Republic of Korea (2003-2005) using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test: Tong-Soo Kim, Yoon-Joong Kang, Won-Ja Lee, Byoung-Kuk Na, Sung-Ung Moon, Seok Ho Cha, Sung-Keun Lee, Yun-Kyu Park, Jhang-Ho Pak, Pyo Yun Cho, Youngjoo Sohn, Hyeong-Woo Lee; Korean J Parasitol 2014;52(1):1-7.
Published online February 19, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2014.52.1.1

Abstract
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Plasmodium vivax reemerged in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1993, and is likely to continue to affect public health. The purpose of this study was to measure levels of anti-P. vivax antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in border areas of ROK, to determine the seroprevalence of malaria (2003-2005) and to plan effective control strategies. Blood samples of the inhabitants in Gimpo-si, Paju-si, and Yeoncheon-gun (Gyeonggi-do), and Cheorwon-gun (Gangwon-do) were collected and kept in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Out of a total of 1,774 serum samples tested, the overall seropositivity was 0.94% (n=17). The seropositivity was the highest in Paju-si (1.9%, 7/372), followed by Gimpo-si (1.4%, 6/425), Yeoncheon-gun (0.67%, 3/451), and Cheorwon-gun (0.19%, 1/526). The annual parasite incidence (API) in these areas gradually decreased from 2003 to 2005 (1.69, 1.09, and 0.80 in 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively). The highest API was found in Yeoncheon-gun, followed by Cheorwon-gun, Paju-si, and Gimpo-si. The API ranking in these areas did not change over the 3 years. The seropositivity of Gimpo-si showed a strong linear relationship with the API of 2005 (r=0.9983, P=0.036). Seropositivity data obtained using IFAT may be useful for understanding malaria prevalence of relevant years, predicting future transmission of malaria, and for establishing and evaluating malaria control programs in affected areas.

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Using Serological Markers for the Surveillance of Plasmodium vivax Malaria: A Scoping Review
Lejla Kartal, Ivo Mueller, Rhea J. Longley
Pathogens.2023; 12(6): 791. CrossRef

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Brief Communication

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in the Residents of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea: Hye-Jin Ahn, Pyo Yun Cho, Seong Kyu Ahn, Tong-Soo Kim, Chom-Kyu Chong, Sung-Jong Hong, Seok Ho Cha, Ho-Woo Nam; Korean J Parasitol 2012;50(3):225-227.
Published online August 13, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2012.50.3.225

Abstract
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The seroepidemiological status of toxoplasmosis was surveyed among the residents of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do by means of ELISA using a crude extract antigen of Toxoplasma gondii. The sera of 1,661 adult residents (866 males and 795 females) were collected and checked for IgG antibody titers, which showed 17.0% positive rate (282 sera). The positive rate was significantly different between the sex; 20.6% for males and 13.1% for females (P<0.05). The positive rates were higher in fifties of males (28.7%) and forties of females (20.0%). This positive rate of toxoplasmosis in Cheorwon-gun residents is regarded as the highest among the surveys of different geographical regions of Korea. This high positive rate may due in part to peculiar geographical locality of the surveyed area near the naturally well preserved demilitarized zone (DMZ) or presumably consumption of the pork imported from high endemic nations. Therefore, it is necessary to study further the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Cheorwon-gun.

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Clinical characteristics of toxoplasmosis patients in Korea: A retrospective study using health insurance review and assessment service data and electronic medical records
Do-Won Ham, Bong-Kwang Jung, Ji-Hun Shin, Yong Joon Kim, Kyoung Yul Seo, Seung Mi Lee, Jae Hyoung Im, Jeong-Ran Kwon, Ho-Sung Lee, Kyung-Won Hwang, Eun-Hee Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2024; 62(4): 424. CrossRef
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Pollyanne Raysa Fernandes de Oliveira, Renata Pimentel Bandeira de Melo, Umberto Diego Rodrigues de Oliveira, Fernando Jorge Rodrigues Magalhães, Rivaldo José Ferreira Junior, Müller Ribeiro Andrade, Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.2022; 69(6): 3457. CrossRef
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii assayed using Rapid Diagnostic Tests among Residents in Three Counties Adjacent to The Demilitarized Zone, Korea
Jeehi Jung, Jinyoung Lee, Yoon Kyung Chang, Seong Kyu Ahn, Seo Hye Park, Sung-Jong Hong, Jihoo Lee, Chom-Kyu Chong, Hye-Jin Ahn, Ho-Woo Nam, Tong-Soo Kim, Dongjae Kim
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2021; 59(1): 9. CrossRef
Clusters of Toxoplasmosis in Ganghwa-gun, Cheorwon-gun, and Goseong-gun, Korea
Jihye Yu, Woojin Kim, Yoon Kyung Chang, Tong-Soo Kim, Sung-Jong Hong, Hye-Jin Ahn, Ho-Woo Nam, Dongjae Kim
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2021; 59(3): 251. CrossRef
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Yeojin Park, Jinhyeong Noh, Hyun-Ji Seo, Keun-Ho Kim, Subin Min, Mi-Sun Yoo, Bo-Ram Yun, Jong-Ho Kim, Eun-Jin Choi, Doo-Sung Cheon, Sung-Jong Hong, Soon-Seek Yoon, Yun Sang Cho
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The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2017; 55(3): 247. CrossRef
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Detected by RDT in Residents near the DMZ (demilitarized zone) of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea
Yeong Hoon Kim, Jihoo Lee, Young-Eun Kim, Seongkyu Ahn, Tong-Soo Kim, Sung-Jong Hong, Chom-Kyu Chong, Hye-Jin Ahn, Ho-Woo Nam
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The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2012; 50(4): 287. CrossRef
A Surge in the Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis among the Residents of Islands in Gangwha-gun, Incheon, Korea
Zhaoshou Yang, Pyo Yun Cho, Seong Kyu Ahn, Hye-Jin Ahn, Tong-Soo Kim, Chom-Kyu Chong, Sung-Jong Hong, Seok Ho Cha, Ho-Woo Nam
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2012; 50(3): 191. CrossRef

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Original Article

A Surge in the Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis among the Residents of Islands in Gangwha-gun, Incheon, Korea: Zhaoshou Yang, Pyo Yun Cho, Seong Kyu Ahn, Hye-Jin Ahn, Tong-Soo Kim, Chom-Kyu Chong, Sung-Jong Hong, Seok Ho Cha, Ho-Woo Nam; Korean J Parasitol 2012;50(3):191-197.
Published online August 13, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2012.50.3.191

Abstract
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Seroepidemiological changes of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the residents of the islands of Gangwha-gun, Incheon for 2 years were surveyed and evaluated by ELISA using a crude extract antigen. In 2010, sera of 919 adult residents in Gyodong-myeon and 313 adults in Samsan-myeon were collected and checked for IgG antibody titers, which showed 14.5% (133 sera) and 19.8% (62 sera) positive rates, respectively. In 2011, sera of 955 adults in Gyodong-myeon and 341 adults in Samsan-myeon were examined, which showed an increase of positive rates to 23.8% (227 sera) and 31.7% (108 sera), respectively. Totally, the seroprevalence of the first year was 15.8% and it increased rapidly to 25.8% in the second year. The positive rates of both sexes increased simultaneously with the significant ratio of males to females by 1.7-2.2 fold (P<0.05). In both myeons, 661 sera were collected every year and showed changes in optical density (OD) in 177 sera; newly found as positives in 73 persons (11.0%), negative conversion in 10 persons (1.5%), and maintained or increased in 94 persons (14.2%). This rapid increase in the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Gangwha islands may be due to in part peculiar changes in the toxoplasmic environment of the islands and presumably the consumption of the pork bred domestically within the islands or imported from high endemic nations. It is necessary to find out symptomatic toxoplasmic patients and confirm the risk factors for further infection in the islands of Gangwha-gun.

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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii assayed using Rapid Diagnostic Tests among Residents in Three Counties Adjacent to The Demilitarized Zone, Korea
Jeehi Jung, Jinyoung Lee, Yoon Kyung Chang, Seong Kyu Ahn, Seo Hye Park, Sung-Jong Hong, Jihoo Lee, Chom-Kyu Chong, Hye-Jin Ahn, Ho-Woo Nam, Tong-Soo Kim, Dongjae Kim
The Korean Journal of Parasitology.2021; 59(1): 9. CrossRef
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Mi Hae Chung, Chan Ok Shin, Juyoung Lee
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