An intestinal parasitological survey among the Jehai Orang Aslis (aborigines) of the Temenggor forest, Perak state, Malaysia
- Author:
Yaya Liliana Hanapian
;
Joon Wah Mak
;
Paul Chieh Yee Chen
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa;
intestinal parasitic infections;
Orang Asli
- From:International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education
2014;8(2):18-23
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: In Malaysia, the most common soiltransmitted
helminth infections are A. lumbricoides,
T. trichiura and hookworms. However, as there have
been no extensive surveys on these infections, it is
difficult to estimate with certainty the current overall
incidence of infection with soil-transmitted helminths
(STHs) among the Malaysian population including the
Orang Aslis.
Materials and Methods: A study was conducted
to determine the infection rate of soil-transmitted
helminths and intestinal protozoa among the Jehai
Orang Aslis (Aborigines). The study was conducted
between December 2005 and August 2006, in four Jehai
villages of Perak State, Malaysia. A total of 175 stool
samples was collected and personal identification such
as name, age, household identification, and date of
collection were recorded on the spot during collection.
Faecal smears were stained with Trichrome for protozoa
cysts and trophozoites and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen
acid-fast method for the oocyst of Cryptosporidium and
Isospora. Wet mounts with tincture of iodine of both stool
samples (10% formalin and PVA) were also examined to
detect cysts, ova and larva of intestinal helminths.
Results: The prevalence rates of Trichuris trichiura,
Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm among the
Jehai were 70.8%, 24.0%, and 10.9% respectively.
The prevalence of Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba
histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis,
and microsporidium was 40.6%, 33.7%, 25.7%, 91.4%,
and 27.4% respectively. The difference in prevalence
rates among the different age-groups and sex were found
not significant. Children aged 0-9 years old had the
highest prevalence rate of intestinal parasites and only
2 (1.1%) were free of any intestinal parasites.
Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections were
therefore still common among these people. Children
aged 0-9 years old were found to have the highest
infection rate of all the intestinal parasites examined.
Further investigations are needed to determine more
specific transmission of these infections, so that an
attempt to control these infections can be made.
- Full text:P020150528339816084644.pdf
