Abstract: Objective To understand paragonimus infection status in Xiuning County of Anhui Province for evidences to formulate corresponding prevention and control measures for this infection. Methods According to the distribution characteristics of water system in Xiuning County,six administrative villages under 5 townships,including Hangxi Village,Chenxi Village,Yutang Village, Wangcun Village and Shandou Villiage along lǜshui water systems, and Rucun Village along Hengjiang river systems,were selected as the survey sites,where infection of paragonimuswas epidemiologically investigated in creek crabs,population and dogs. Results Sixty-five were identified to be infected with paragonimusmetacercariae in the 324 creek crabs captured in the 6 survey sites,with a total infection rate of 20. 06%. The infection rate was higher in Hengjiang river systems than in lǜshui water systems( χ2 = 77. 802,P<0. 05). A total of 515 people were tested in Wangcun Village and Rucun Village of which 39 were positive. The positive rate of paragonimiasis antibody was 7. 57%(39 / 515) in the population,yet there was no significant difference in male and female as well as in population from Wangcun Village and Rucun Village regarding the serum positive rate( χ2 = 0. 614,1. 124;both P>0. 05). The serum positive rate was higher in ≥35 years old than <35 years old( χ2 = 6. 969,P<0. 05). Paragonimus westermani eggs were detected in the canine feces samples in Wangcun and Rucun villages,with a total infection rate of 19. 23%(5 / 26). Conclusion Xiuning County represents the natural epidemic focus(rated as level Ⅲ) of Paragoniasis in Anhui Province. Our findings suggest that it is necessary to strengthen the health education and raise awareness of prevention and control among local residents,and effectively have the canines managed and monitored in order to control paragonimiasis epidemic.

Key words: Paragonimus , Intermediate host, Definitive host, Infection investigation