To analyze and assess the characteristics of the infected population and the disease burden of clonorchiosis in a city of the Pearl River Delta, providing a scientific basis for future prevention and control strategies.

Based on population monitoring and medical institution data from 2019 to 2023 regarding clonorchiosis in the city, infection rates and prevalence proportions were calculated for different genders and age groups. The characteristics of patients seeking medical attention were described, and the disease burden was evaluated using Disability-adjusted Life Years (DALYs).

The overall infection rate for clonorchiosis in the surveyed population from 2019 to 2023 was 8.32%, with a male infection rate of 12.50% and a female infection rate of 4.84%, showing a statistically significant difference (χ²=98.54, P<0.001). The weighted infection rate was 7.87% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.67%-10.06%]. The weighted infection rates across various age groups ranged from 0.09% to 16.18%, with higher rates observed in individuals over 40 years of age. The majority of infections were mild (97.00%), while moderate and severe infections were less common. The annual DALYs lost due to clonorchiosis were 14 399.10 for males and 4 606.71 for females, totaling 19 005.81, equating to a loss of 4.76 DALYs per 1 000 people per year.From 2019 to 2023, a total of 3 193 cases of clonorchiosis sought medical attention, primarily through outpatient services (95.49%). The proportions of complications such as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, liver cysts, gallbladder polyps, cholecystectomy, gallbladder hypertrophy, and cholangiocarcinoma were 1.16%, 0.60%, 0.53%, 0.22%, 0.06%, 0.06%, 0.00%,and 0.00%, respectively. The average outpatient medical cost was 155.62 yuan, while the average inpatient medical cost was 6 545.97 yuan.

The burden of clonorchiosis in the city of the Pearl River Delta is significant, characterized by a high population infection rate, primarily among males, middle-aged and elderly individuals, and mild infections. Future efforts should focus on public education, screening, and treatment for at-risk populations.