Analysis of Interventions against the Liver Fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini

We adapt a population-based model of Opisthrochis viverrini transmission dynamics to determine the effectiveness of three different interventions. The model includes the definitive hosts, humans; the reservoir hosts, dogs and cats; and the intermediate hosts, snails and fish. We consider the interventions: education campaigns to reduce the consumption of raw or undercooked fish, improved sanitation and treatment through mass drug administration. We calculate the control reproduction number, simulate different scenarios and optimise the interventions with optimal control. We look at the potential of the interventions to eliminate transmission within 20 years. The model shows that education and better sanitation need a very high coverage to fulfill the goal of elimination, whereas drug distribution at medium coverage and yearly distribution is enough. The best solution is a combination of drug distribution at a medium level of coverage and as high as possible coverage of education and better sanitation.