BACKGROUND: Several Philippine studies on selected neglected parasitic diseases cite major challenges in laboratory diagnosis that require review of standards, policies and practices.
OBJECTIVES: This review aims to: (1) describe the epidemiology of selected neglected parasitic diseases in the Philippines; (2) describe the current status of laboratory diagnosis of these diseases in terms of standards, policies and practices; and (3) identify challenges and opportunities for improvement of laboratory diagnosis.
METHODS: Epidemiologic data were collected from published scientific papers and monographs. International standards were gathered from journal articles and the World Health Organization (WHO). Philippine policies were obtained from interviews with the Department of Health (DOH) and other agencies. Recommendations for policy and practice were formulated based on evidence and feasibility.
RESULTS: High prevalence of neglected parasitic diseases in the country, coupled with lack of national policies on diagnosis and quality assurance guidelines specific to parasitology, pose significant challenges to accurate diagnosis.
CONCLUSION: Results of this review merit the development of a comprehensive Philippine policy on a quality assurance scheme for parasitology laboratories and stronger licensing standards. This policy should be supported through a network of reference centers that coordinate parasitology training, staff certification, and laboratory accreditation.

Human ; Animal ; Male ; Female ; Parasitic Diseases ; Laboratories ; Diagnosis ; Epidemiology ; Quality Control ; Parasitology

A small scale survey was performed to know the infection status of intestinal parasite in children of the residential institutions and street communities in Metro Manila, Philippines. A total of 284 stool samples from 11 institutions and 3 street communities was examined by the formalin-ether concentration method. The scotch tape anal swab was adapted to 121 children to investigate the infection status of Enterovius vermicularis. It was found out that 62.0% of the children examined were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Multiple infections were observed in 34.2% of the children. Among 172 children who gave detail information, the prevalence for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm was 36.0%, 44.8%, and 7.0% respectively. Of the children examined, 47.7% were found to be harboring parasitic protozoans such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Blastocystis hominis. The most prevalent of these protozoans was B. hominis with an infection rate of 40.7%. The prevalence of these infections among children living in institutions was relatively high. More efforts should be made to implement anthelminthic programs including bi-annual follow-up treatments.
Adolescent ; Animals ; Child ; Feces/parasitology ; Female ; Helminthiasis/epidemiology ; Helminths/isolation & purification ; Homeless Youth ; Human ; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Male ; Philippines/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Protozoa/isolation & purification ; Protozoan Infections/epidemiology ; Urban Population

Objectives. This study aimed to describe baseline and follow-up prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, nutritional status and school performance of school-age children in Cebu City. By measuring these parameters, it also aimed to monitor the progress of a local government unit-led, school-based, schoolteacher-assisted deworming initiative. Methods. Grade three and grade four pupils from two selected school districts in Cebu City were chosen as participants. Kato-Katz technique was used to assess helminth infections. All positive slides and 10% of all negative slides were re-examined blindly by a reference microscopist for quality control. Secondary anthropometric and school performance data were also obtained from the Department of Education. Results. Baseline results showed cumulative prevalence and prevalence of heavy intensity infection of 73.1% and 44.3%, respectively, which were significantly lower during follow-up at 56.5% (p < 0.0001) and 26.5% (p < 0.0001), respectively. School performance improved in District B, with an 8.8% increase in mean percentage score from baseline to follow-up. There was no marked difference between baseline and follow-up proportions of pupils with below normal weight-for-age and height-for-age. Conclusions. The positive results merit continuation of the school-based STH control initiative in Cebu City. Improvements in water supply and sanitation, promotion of good hygiene and health education are important in minimizing risks of infection and re-infection.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Child ; INTESTINAL HELMINTHIASIS ; ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH ; PUBLIC HEALTH ; SANITATION ; SANITARY ENGINEERING ; WATER SUPPLY

OBJECTIVE: Elimination eforts for lymphatic flariasis are underway in the Philippines using mass drug administration (MDA) of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole as one of the main strategies. This cost analysis was done to determine the MDA implementation cost and provide useful information to the control programme on how to best utilize limited resources.

METHODS: This cost analysis study was conducted in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines in 2004. The study was done from a program perspective. Cost data for 2003 was obtained retrospectively via key informant interviews and records review using a standardized guide from a multi-country cost analysis study of flariasis elimination programs. Cost fgures were classifed as either economic or fnancial costs and expressed in real terms using 2002 as base year. Sensitivity analysis was likewise performed.

RESULTS: The total economic cost and cost per person treated with MDA were estimated at US$223,549.55 (Php12,116,385.48) and US$0.40, respectively. The fnancial costs were less than half of the economic costs. The main cost driver was drug distribution. The highest economic and fnancial costs were incurred at the national (54.5%) and municipal (74.4%) levels, respectively. High variation in costs of MDA activities was observed.

CONCLUSION: This cost analysis provides reasonable estimates which may be used to assist government and other stakeholders in program planning and resource generation for flariasis elimination programs in endemic areas.

Diethylcarbamazine ; Albendazole ; Philippines ; Mass Drug Administration ; Costs And Cost Analysis ; Health Resources ; Lymphatic Vessel ; Elephantiasis, Filarial