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Fulltext Intestinal parasitic diarrhea among children in Baghdad--Iraq

AL-Kubaisy W, AL-Talib H, Al-khateeb A, Shanshal MM

Trop Biomed, 2014 Sep;31(3):499-506.
PMID: 25382477

Parasitic diarrhea among children is a significant health problem worldwide. This cross sectional study described the burden of parasitic diarrhea among children. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of risk factors on the parasitic diarrhea, and to determine the parasitic profile among children in Baghdad-Iraq, during the period extending from September 2003 to June 2004. A total number of 2033 cases were included in the study. The estimated prevalence rate of parasitic diarrhea was 22%. We identified the following major diarrhea determinants were large households size, residential location, water source, low socioeconomic status, and low parent education. Giardia lamblia was found to be the most prevalent parasite with an infection rate of 45.54% followed by Entamoeba histolytica 23.44%, Enterobius vermicularis 12.7%, Hymenolepis nana 9.82%, Trichuris trichiura 5.4%, and Ascaris lumbricoides 2.2%. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that poor sanitation, inadequate environmental conditions, and low socioeconomic status are the main determining factors that predispose children to parasitic diarrhea. Mass deworming programs are recommended for school children, as this population is easily accessible.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Fulltext How common is intestinal parasitism in HIV-infected patients in Malaysia?

Asma I, Johari S, Sim BL, Lim YA

Trop Biomed, 2011 Aug;28(2):400-10.
PMID: 22041762 MyJurnal

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have greater susceptibility to infections by a myriad of microorganisms which can cause significant morbidity and mortality compared to immunocompetent individuals. Of these microbial infections, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) however are receiving less attention than bacterial and viral infections, hence, the lack of information of parasitic infections in HIV individuals. Prevalence of IPIs among 346 HIV-infected individuals in Malaysia was determined in this study. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) was 37.9% (131 of 346) with protozoa infections (18.8%) being more common compared to helminth infections (7.5%). Observed protozoa include Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.8%), Cryptosporidium parvum (12.4%), Isospora belli (10.1%), Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.9%) and Giardia duodenalis (intestinalis) (3.2%) whilst helminthes which were detected comprised of Ascaris lumbricoides (13.9%), Trichuris trichiura (6.4%) and hookworms (0.6%). Among those 131 infected, 50.4% had multiple infections and 48.9% had single parasitic infection. The CD4 counts were significantly lower (i.e., 200 cells/mm³) in patients harbouring IPIs. Of those individuals infected with intestinal parasites, 49% were intravenous drug users and 58% were not on any antiretroviral therapy. Most were asymptomatic and had concurrent opportunistic infections (OIs) mainly with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. These results confirmed that IPIs are ubiquitous among HIV-infected individuals, especially those presenting with low CD4 T cells counts, and provide useful insights into the epidemiology of these infections among HIV-infected patients in Malaysia. It is therefore recommended, that diagnosis of these intestinal parasitic pathogens should be conducted on a routine basis for better management of gastrointestinal illnesses among HIV individuals.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Fulltext Prevalence of intestinal protozoa in an aborigine community in Pahang, Malaysia

Noor Azian MY, San YM, Gan CC, Yusri MY, Nurulsyamzawaty Y, Zuhaizam AH, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2007 Jun;24(1):55-62.
PMID: 17568378 MyJurnal

The objective was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal protozoa among the aborigines and to determine the problems regarding the infection. The study was carried out in January 2006 in Pos Senderut, Pahang, Malaysia. Samples of faeces were collected from children and adults and these were fixed in PVA and trichrome staining was carried out. From the 130 individuals studied, 94 (72.3%) were positive with at least one intestinal protozoa. Nine intestinal protozoa namely Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba hartmani, Entamoeba polecki, Iodamoeba butschlii and Chilomastix mesnili were detected. The prevalent species were B. hominis (52.3%), followed by G. lamblia (29.2%), E. coli (26.2%) and E. histolytica (18.5%). The other species ranged from 1.5 to 10.8%. Among the positive samples, mixed infection with E. histolytica and G. lamblia was 3.8%, E. histolytica and B. hominis was 15.4%, G. lamblia and B. hominis was 17.7%. Triple infection of E. histolytica, G. lamblia and B. hominis was 3.1%. The infection was more prevalent in children below 10 years age group (45.4%) and lowest in the age above 60 years (3.8%). The high prevalence was attributable to poor environmental management, poor personal hygiene and lack of health education.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes in captive nonhuman primates at Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak

Teo SZ, Tuen AA, Madinah A, Aban S, Chong YL

Trop Biomed, 2019 Sep 01;36(3):594-603.
PMID: 33597481

Gastrointestinal nematodes can cause assorted health problems to human and other primates. The status of gastrointestinal nematodes in non-human primates remained less documented in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes recovered from the fecal samples of captive non-human primates at the Matang Wildlife Centre (MWC), Sarawak. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 60 non-human primates of six species (i.e. Orangutan, Bornean gibbon, Silvered Leaf monkey, Slow loris, Pig-tailed macaque, and Long-tailed macaque) and processed using simple fecal floatation method and fecal sedimentation method. This study shows high prevalence of nematode infection (>=50%) and co-infection (22 from 45 infected individuals) in all species of captive non-human primates found in MWC, except one individual of young Silvered Leaf monkey was negative for nematode. From these, eight genera of 11 species and one unknown nematode larvae were recovered and among them Oesophagostomum sp., Ascaris sp., and Strongyloides sp. were the most common nematodes infecting the non-human primates. All the Bornean gibbon (n=7) were found to be infected with nematodes. Moreover, Long-tailed macaques at the centre were heavily infected by Ascaris sp. (number of total count, nt = 2132; total mean abundance, MA=113.70). This is the first report of high prevalence nematode infection on multiple species of captive non-human primates in a wildlife centre located in Sarawak. Some of the nematodes are of zoonotic potential. This information is important for health care management, both in-situ and ex-situ conservations of captive and free-ranging nonhuman primates.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Providing maternal and child care in rural Malaysia

Chen PC

Trop Geogr Med, 1977 Dec;29(4):441-8.
PMID: 610030

Since Independence, gained in 1957, major changes have occurred in the rural areas of Malaysia not least amongst which has been the provision of maternal and child care services to hitherto neglected areas. In the first part of this paper, the demographic and disease patterns are described. The second part outlines the general development efforts and describes in greater detail the rural health services that have been organized in Malaysia. In the concluding section, changes in mortality and morbidity are examined.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Gastrointestinal parasites of zoonotic importance observed in the wild, urban, and captive populations of non-human primates in Malaysia

Adrus M, Zainudin R, Ahamad M, Jayasilan MA, Abdullah MT

J Med Primatol, 2019 02;48(1):22-31.
PMID: 30370934 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12389

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites commonly found in Malaysia's non-human primates (NHP) living in three different types of populations (wild, urban, and captive) and the basis of major GI parasites of zoonotic importance.
METHODS: A total of 308 samples was collected and microscopically screened from the NHP in the wild (n = 163), urban (n = 76), and captive (n = 69) populations. The samples were taken from 12 species of local NHPs.
RESULTS: At least, 44 species of GI parasites comprising of protozoans (seven species), nematodes (26 species), cestodes (five species), trematodes (five species), and pentastomida (one species) were detected. There were no significant differences for the overall prevalence and no great differences in GI parasite species among the wild, urban, and captive NHP populations.
CONCLUSION: The most common GI parasite was Ascaris spp. (49.7%), followed by Oesophagostomum spp. (26.9%), and 31 species discovered in this study are of known public health importance.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Post-era mass drug administration: an update on intestinal parasitic infections in urban poor communities in Peninsular Malaysia

Sahimin N, Abd Khalil NS, Lewis JW, Mohd Zain SN

Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun 01;37(2):363-371.
PMID: 33612805

The health impact of a Malaysian national helminth control program which provided school-based anthelmintic chemotherapy from 1974 to 1983 was re-visited after three decades post MDA and associated risk factors amongst urban poor communities identified. Stool samples collected were screened using the formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique recovered at least one species of helminth and/or protozoan. Despite a steady decline observed between 1974-1983 however, post MDA infections continue to persist in pockets of communities moderately (18.9%; n=39/206) with higher infection recorded amongst PPR flat residents (22.5%, n=16/71). Among risk factors identified, waste management method was the primary factor for Ascaris lumbricoides infections (n=33; 16.0%), whereas age, education, employment and source of drinking water were significant risk factors for cryptosporidiosis. Despite the government's efforts to improve health through the provision of basic amenities to the general public, higher prevalence values amongst PPR flat dwellers suggests the need to implement targeted chemotherapeutic treatment of, once a year deworming as recommended by World Health Organization when the baseline prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the community is over 20%, in addition to preventive measures though improvements in health awareness programs and improved waste management methods.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiases in Malaysia

Ahmed A, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Surin J

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2011 May;42(3):527-38.
PMID: 21706930

We reviewed the epidemiology of STH in Malaysia from the 1970s to 2009. High prevalence rates persist among the rural Aborigines, estate workers and in urban slums and squatter areas. Trichuris trichiura is the most prevalent helminth in Malaysia ranging from 2.1% to 98.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides follows closely with a prevalence rate of 4.6-86.7%, while hookworm is the least prevalent (0-37.0%). A countrywide control program with special emphasis on school-based intervention is highly recommended among aboriginal people.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Intestinal parasitic infection among five interior communities at upper Rejang River, Sarawak, Malaysia

Sagin DD, Mohamed M, Ismail G, Jok JJ, Lim LH, Pui JN

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2002 Mar;33(1):18-22.
PMID: 12118449

Intestinal parasitic infection among five interior communities at Bakun Valley, upper Rejang River, Sarawak, Malaysia, was investigated as part of a public health impact assessment of the proposed US$ 3 billion Bakun Hydroelectric Project. Coproparasitological examination of 355 stool samples from 7 of 16 villages representing 5 of 7 tribes in the area revealed infection rate of 41%. A higher infection rate was found among the settled Kayans (56%) than the seminomadic Penans (29%). Infection rate was high (68%) among children less than 14 years old. Trichuris trichiura accounted for more than 90% of all infections; less common were Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis. Polyparasitism was found in 8% of the individuals surveyed with dual infection due to T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides being more common than dual infection with T. trichiura and hookworm. Women had higher infection rates (57%) than men (33%).

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Fulltext Intestinal helminthiasis in relation to height and weight of early primary school children in northeastern peninsular Malaysia

Mahendra Raj S, Sein KT, Khairul Anuar A, Mustaffa BE

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1997 Jun;28(2):314-20.
PMID: 9444012

Stool examination, height and weight measurements were undertaken on 249 early primary school children at two schools in North-eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Helminth infected children were treated and follow-up anthropometric measurements and stool examination undertaken on all (n = 100) children at one of the schools 16 months later; to observe the relationship between acquisition of infection and growth. Baseline Ascaris prevalence rates at the two schools were 16.0% (23/144) and 47.6% (50/105) respectively whilst Trichuris rates were 33.3% (48/144) and 52.4% (55/105). Hookworm infection was uncommon. There was no difference in weight or height for age between infected and uninfected children at any time. Acquisition of worm infection over the initial 16 month follow-up period was not associated with significant decreases in growth rates. However the small subsets of children with heavy Ascaris infection were consistently lighter and shorter at all evaluation times. They also gained significantly less weight and tended to have reduced linear growth rates between measurements. Further interventional studies are required to determine if this association is one of cause and effect or largely incidental.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Current prevalence and predictors of protein-energy malnutrition among schoolchildren in rural Peninsular Malaysia

Al-Mekhlafi MS, Surin J, Atiya AS, Ariffin WA, Mahdy AK, Abdullah HC

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2008 Sep;39(5):922-31.
PMID: 19058591

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the current prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among Orang Asli schoolchildren and to investigate the potential predictors of malnutrition. A total of 241 (120 males and 121 females) Orang Asli schoolchildren age 7-12 years living in remote areas of Pos Betau, Pahang participated voluntarily in this study. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected and the children were screened for intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalences of mild and significant underweight conditions were 52.3% and 37.3%, respectively, and the prevalences of mild stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 43.1%, respectively, while the prevalences of significant stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 5.6%, respectively. There was a significant association between gender (male) and malnutrition (p = 0.029). The results also showed a higher prevalence of stunting among children age < or = 10 years than in older children (p = 0.001). Other independent variables, including socioeconomic status and intestinal parasitic infections, had no significant associations with malnutrition indices. PEM is prevalent among schoolchildren in rural Malaysia and therefore of public health concern since PEM diminishes immune function and impairs cognitive function and educational performance. School-based programs of prevention through health education and interventions should be considered as an essential part of measures to improve the quality of life of schoolchildren in rural Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Prevalence of intestinal helminths among patients admitted to the Balik Pulau district hospital on Penang island

Khan SM, Anuar AK

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1977 Jun;8(2):260-4.
PMID: 918716

Faecal samples from patients admitted to the District Hospital in Balik, Pulau, Penang revealed high infection rates for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms. The prevalence rates were Trichuris trichiura 51.7%, Ascaris lumbricoides 31.9% and hookworm 37.2%. The overall highest infection is among the Malays (79%), the least being among the Chinese (61.1%). The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was highest in the 11-20 age group. The prevalence of Trichura was highest in the 51-60 age group, Ascaris and Trichuris infections is higher among the males but hookworm infection is higher among the females. 72.6% of the patients were infected with at least one type of helminth and 32.9% of the patients were infected with at least 2 types of helminths.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Nutritional status of refugee children entering DeKalb County, Georgia

Shah AY, Suchdev PS, Mitchell T, Shetty S, Warner C, Oladele A, et al.

J Immigr Minor Health, 2014 Oct;16(5):959-67.
PMID: 23828627 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-013-9867-8

This study determines the nutritional status among refugee children entering one of the largest resettlement counties in the United States and identifies differences between incoming populations. Medical records of all newly arriving pediatric refugees (0-18 years) entering DeKalb County, Georgia between October 2010 and July 2011 were reviewed. Refugee children were grouped as African, Bhutanese, or Burmese (resettling from either Thailand or Malaysia) for comparative analysis. Approximately one in five refugees were anemic or malnourished, while a quarter had stool parasites, and nearly half had dental caries. African refugees had the highest anemia but the lowest underweight prevalence (p < 0.05). Compared to Burmese resettling from Malaysia, Burmese children from Thailand had a higher prevalence of anemia, underweight, and stool parasites (p < 0.05). Clinicians should use CDC medical screening guidelines for newly arriving pediatric refugees, as well as ensure proper nutritional support and follow-up care.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Fulltext Intestinal parasitic infections among children in central Albania

Sejdini A, Mahmud R, Lim YA, Mahdy M, Sejdini F, Gjoni V, et al.

Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 2011 Apr;105(3):241-50.
PMID: 21801503 DOI: 10.1179/136485911X12987676649584

Although intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) among children remain a global issue, the current information on such infections in Albanian children is very limited. A cross-sectional study of the IPI in 321 children living in the Albanian counties of Tirana (152) and Elbasan (169) was therefore conducted in 2008, with a pre-tested standard questionnaire employed to gather the relevant personal and clinical data. Using formalin-ether concentration and permanent stains, stool samples were examined microscopically for the ova, cysts and oocysts of any parasites. The overall prevalence of IPI was 19% (61 of 321), with protozoan infections (11·5%) apparently more common than infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STH; 8·1%). Giardia duodenalis was the parasite most frequently detected (10·9%), followed by hookworm (5·6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1·9%), Trichuris trichiura (0·6%), Cryptosporidium (0·3%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0·3%). The results of a univariate analysis indicated that the children from Tirana county were significantly more likely to be found infected with STH compared with the children from Elbasan county (12·5% v. 4·1%; P=0·006). Children sampled in the community were also more likely to be found STH-positive than the children sampled as they attended hospitals and health clinics (10·5% v. 6·0%) but this difference did not reach statistical significance. The children found STH-positive were five times more likely to be suffering from diarrhoea than the other children checked in clinical settings (P=0·004) and were also more likely to be suffering from abdominal pain (P=0·054) and/or diminished appetite (P=0·016).

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia among aboriginal schoolchildren in rural Peninsular Malaysia: an update on a continuing problem

Al-Mekhlafi MH, Surin J, Atiya AS, Ariffin WA, Mahdy AK, Abdullah HC

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2008 Oct;102(10):1046-52.
PMID: 18617209 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.05.012

A cross-sectional study to determine the current prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and to investigate the possible risk factors for IDA was carried out on 241 aboriginal schoolchildren (120 boys, 121 girls) aged 7-12 years and living in remote areas in Pos Betau, Pahang, Malaysia. Haemoglobin (Hb) level was measured and serum iron status was assessed by serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI) and total iron binding capacity measurements. Socioeconomic data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. All children were screened for intestinal parasitic infections. Overall, 48.5% (95% CI 42.3-54.8) of children were anaemic (Hb<12 g/dl). The prevalence of IDA was 34% (95% CI 28.3-40.2), which accounted for 70.1% of the anaemia cases. The prevalence of IDA was significantly higher in females than males. Low levels of mothers' education and low household income were identified as risk factors for IDA. Severe trichuriasis also found to be associated with low SF and SI. Logistic regression confirmed low levels of mothers' education and gender as significant risk factors for IDA. Improvement of socioeconomic status and health education together with periodic mass deworming should be included in public health strategies for the control and prevention of anaemia and IDA in this population.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Fulltext Determining intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in inmates from Kajang Prison, Selangor, Malaysia for improved prison management

Angal L, Mahmud R, Samin S, Yap NJ, Ngui R, Amir A, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2015 Oct 29;15:467.
PMID: 26511347 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1178-3

BACKGROUND: The prison management in Malaysia is proactively seeking to improve the health status of the prison inmates. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are widely distributed throughout the world and are still gaining great concern due to their significant morbidity and mortality among infected humans. In Malaysia, there is a paucity of information on IPIs among prison inmates. In order to further enhance the current health strategies employed, the present study aims to establish firm data on the prevalence and diversity of IPIs among HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals in a prison, an area in which informed knowledge is still very limited.
METHODS: Samples were subjected to microscopy examination and serological test (only for Strongyloides). Speciation for parasites on microscopy-positive samples and seropositive samples for Strongyloides were further determined via polymerase chain reaction. SPSS was used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 294 stool and blood samples each were successfully collected, involving 131 HIV positive and 163 HIV negative adult male inmates whose age ranged from 21 to 69-years-old. Overall prevalence showed 26.5% was positive for various IPIs. The IPIs detected included Blastocystis sp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Trichuris trichiura. Comparatively, the rate of IPIs was slightly higher among the HIV positive inmates (27.5%) than HIV negative inmates (25.8%). Interestingly, seropositivity for S. stercoralis was more predominant in HIV negative inmates (10.4%) compared to HIV-infected inmates (6.9%), however these findings were not statistically significant. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Blastocystis, Strongyloides, Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar.
CONCLUSIONS: These data will enable the health care providers and prison management staff to understand the trend and epidemiological situations in HIV/parasitic co-infections in a prison. This information will further assist in providing evidence-based guidance to improve prevention, control and management strategies of IPIs co-infections among both HIV positive and HIV negative inmates in a prison environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Epidemiology of gastro-intestinal nematodes of sheep in wet tropical conditions in Malaysia

Cheah TS, Rajamanickam C

Trop Anim Health Prod, 1997 Aug;29(3):165-73.
PMID: 9316233

A study on the seasonal variations in the population structure of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostronglyus colubriformis was conducted for a period of 12 months in a typical large scale sheep farm on improved pasture in Peninsular Malaysia which has a wet tropical climate. Successive groups of helminth-free tracer lambs were grazed for 4 weeks together with naturally infected sheep and were necropised for worm counts 2 weeks after their removal from the pasture. The monthly populations of H. contortus fluctuated slightly except in May and August during which more worms were found in the tracer animals. The numbers of T. colubriformis were comparatively high from October to December 1992 and again in March 1993, low during April and June 1992. Small numbers of hypobiotic larvae of H. contortus were detected in the tracer animals. Development and survival of infective larvae of H. contortus and T. colubriformis on pasture were investigated by spreading faeces containing eggs on grass plots in October 1993, February and May 1994. Development of the eggs to the infective larvae occurred within one week and their survival times were 7 weeks in the 3 experiments. The potential for control by rotational grazing is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Copro-molecular identification of intestinal nematode infections in a rural community in East Malaysia

Hassan NA, Thodsapol A, Lim YAL, Wan Sulaiman WY, Sidi Omar SFN, Umsakul K, et al.

Parasitol Int, 2021 Feb;80:102237.
PMID: 33144195 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102237

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are the most common intestinal parasitic infections of medical importance in humans. The infections are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries, particularly among disadvantaged and underprivileged communities. In Malaysia, STH infections is highly prevalent, especially among the indigenous groups. However, species identification through molecular studies is still lacking. Using molecular techniques, this study was conducted to identify STH species that infect humans. Faecal samples were collected from three Iban tribal longhouses in the rural area of Sarikei Division, Sarawak. Positive faecal samples by microscopy were subjected to PCR and sequenced for species identification. Based on the microscopy examination, the most prevalent STH infection was Ascaris, followed by hookworm and Trichuris. All microscopy-positive samples were then PCR-amplified. The amplicons were sequenced, aligned, and compared with other sequences in the GenBank database. The results showed that Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant STH species, followed by Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus. Our findings were contradictory to past studies, as we showed that A. duodenale was more abundant than N. americanus. Socioeconomic improvement and health education programs should be included in the management and prevention of public health strategies against STH.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Fulltext Detection of selected intestinal helminths and protozoa at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia using multiplex real-time PCR

Basuni M, Mohamed Z, Ahmad M, Zakaria NZ, Noordin R

Trop Biomed, 2012 Sep;29(3):434-42.
PMID: 23018507

Intestinal parasites are the causative agents of a number of important human infections in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected helminths and protozoan infections among patients admitted with gastrointestinal disorders at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia using multiplex real-time PCR. In addition microscopic examination was also performed following direct smear, zinc sulphate concentration and Kato-Katz thick smear techniques; and the presence of protozoan parasites was confirmed using trichrome and acid-fast stains. Of the 225 faecal samples analysed, 26.2% were positive for intestinal parasites by the multiplex real-time PCR, while 5.3% were positive by microscopy. As compared to microscopy, the multiplex real-time PCR detected 5.8 and 4.5 times more positives for the selected helminth and protozoan infections respectively. Among the selected helminths detected in this study, hookworm was the most prevalent by real-time PCR, while Ascaris lumbricoides was detected the most by microscopy. Meanwhile, among the selected protozoa detected in this study, Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent by real-time PCR, however microscopy detected equal number of cases with E. histolytica and Giardia lamblia. This study showed that real-time PCR can be used to obtain a more accurate prevalence data on intestinal helminths and protozoa.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
Fulltext Intestinal parasitic infections amongst Orang Asli (indigenous) in Malaysia: has socioeconomic development alleviated the problem?

Lim YA, Romano N, Colin N, Chow SC, Smith HV

Trop Biomed, 2009 Aug;26(2):110-22.
PMID: 19901897 MyJurnal

Orang Asli are the indigenous minority peoples of peninsular Malaysia. Despite proactive socioeconomic development initiated by the Malaysian Government in upgrading the quality of life of the Orang Asli communities since 1978, they still remained poor with a current poverty rate of 76.9%. Poverty exacerbates the health problems faced by these communities which include malnourishment, high incidences of infectious diseases (eg. tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria) and the perpetual problem with intestinal parasitic infections. Studies reported that the mean infection rate of intestinal parasitic infections in Orang Asli communities has reduced from 91.1% in 1978, to 64.1% in the subsequent years. Although the results was encouraging, it has to be interpreted with caution because nearly 80% of studies carried out after 1978 still reported high prevalence (i.e. >50%) of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) among Orang Asli communities. Prior to 1978, hookworm infection is the most predominant STH but today, trichuriasis is the most common STH infections. The risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections remained unchanged and studies conducted in recent years suggested that severe STH infections contributed to malnutrition, iron deficiency anaemia and low serum retinol in Orang Asli communities. In addition, STH may also contribute to poor cognitive functions and learning ability. Improvements in socioeconomic status in Malaysia have shown positive impact on the reduction of intestinal parasitic infections in other communities however, this positive impact is less significant in the Orang Asli communities. In view of this, a national parasitic infections baseline data on morbidity and mortality in the 18 subgroups of Orang Asli, will assist in identifying intervention programmes required by these communities. It is hope that the adoption of strategies highlighted in the World Health Organisation- Healthy Village Initiatives (WHO-HVI) into Orang Asli communities will ensure the whole mechanism of delivery and empowerment by the government agencies become more efficient and productive in alleviating intestinal parasitic infections in these communities.

Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology

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