Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Malaysia landscape: an aborigines study
- Author:
Brandon-Mong, G.J.
;
Abdullah, N.A.
;
Shukor, N.
;
Jaturas, N.
;
Richard, R.L.
;
Choo, J.C.
;
Majid, M.A.A.
;
Mahboob, T.
;
Tan, T.C.
;
Nissapatorn, V.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2017;34(2):363-374
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is a group of parasitic nematodes, including
Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus,
which can cause gastrointestinal disorders in humans. STH is prevalent among neglected
communities in both developing and developed countries. This present study aims to determine
the current prevalence of STH infections in Aboriginal population after mass delivering of
antihelminthic drugs was proposed by WHO in 2005 and a health education learning package
(HELP) was initiated in Malaysia in 2012. A total of 235 human fecal samples were collected
and a pre-tested questionnaire was given to gather information about the socio-demographic
of the Aborigine communities living in Kedah and Selangor, Malaysia. The samples were
screened by a direct-fecal smear and confirmed by formalin-ether sedimentation methods.
From human faeces, 81.7% was found to be infected with one or more STH species. T.
trichiura was the most commonly detected (76.6%), followed by hookworms (26.4%) and A.
lumbricoides (19.1%). Triple infections were found in 6.4% of the studied population. Univariate
analysis showed that individuals with age group, male, presence of indoor toilet, family size
with <7 members and bad living habits (i.e., without antihelminthic drugs) were significantly
associated with STH infections. The analysis further showed that walking barefoot was the
significant contributing factor to hookworm infections. The high prevalence of human STH
infections is alarming. Thus, the urgency in implementing health education related behavioral
practice and hygiene to reduce disease burden in these rural communities are a crucial need.
- Full text:P020170616403103614219.pdf
