Thesis defense - Nguyen Thi Bich Thao

Thesis defense presented by Nguyen Thi Bich Thao

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology (Hanoi Open University, Vietnam, 2010)
• Master’s Degree in Tropical Medicine (Khon Kaen University, Thailand, 2015)

Thesis supervised by Professor Olivier Vandenberg (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
Co-supervised by Associate Professor Do Trung Dung (Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam)

Foodborne zoonotic trematode infections (FZTi) constitute an important public health problem in Vietnam, where cultural dietary practices and aquaculture systems sustain ongoing transmission. This doctoral research focused on Clonorchis sinensis in two provinces of northern and central Vietnam, employing a combination of cross-sectional and cohort studies, complemented by intervention trials and laboratory capacity assessments, to characterize the epidemiology and evaluate potential control strategies.

The findings revealed a high prevalence and incidence of clonorchiasis, with raw fish consumption identified as the principal risk factor. Health education interventions were effective in enhancing knowledge, improving attitudes, and reducing high-risk behaviors among both community members and schoolchildren. In parallel, assessments of local laboratories demonstrated considerable limitations in diagnostic capacity, while targeted training interventions significantly improved the diagnostic knowledge and skills of technicians.

This thesis suggests that the sustainable control of clonorchiasis and other FZT infections in Vietnam requires a comprehensive One Health/EcoHealth approach. Such an approach should integrate human chemotherapy, veterinary interventions, health education, and environmental management to effectively interrupt transmission and mitigate long-term public health impacts.

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