The purpose of this study is to review the literature on microsporidiosis in various high-risk groups among the Malaysian population, i.e., HIV/AIDS, cancer, hospitalised patients and Orang Asli, and to update information with regards to microsporidia prevalence, diagnosis and association of the disease with gastrointestinal symptoms in Malaysia. Hospitalised patients showed the highest prevalence (28.3%) of microsporidiosis compared to other risk groups. This review did not find any direct correlations between gastrointestinal symptoms and microsporidiosis. Since microsporidiosis is an emerging threat to the high-risk groups, greater awareness should be instilled among clinicians to consider microsporidiosis in their differential diagnosis if no other causes can be defined.

Field trials of Wolbachia-transinfected mosquitoes, as a biological approach to curb dengue transmission, have been initiated. This study aimed to determine the knowledge regarding dengue fever (DF), practice of vector control, and acceptance of Wolbachia as a dengue control method among Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) healthcare staff. A questionnaire assessing knowledge regarding DF, vector control practices, and acceptance of Wolbachia was conducted among 330 UKMMC healthcare staff via convenience sampling. More than 70% of the respondents had good knowledge regarding DF, good vector control practice, and good acceptance of Wolbachia. Being female and having household income >MYR3000 had higher odds of having good knowledge regarding DF [(aOR 2.40; 95%CI 1.13, 5.12) and (aOR 3.86; 95%CI 1.91, 7.80)]. Having household income >MYR3000 had higher odds of having good vector control practice (aOR 2.33; 95%CI 1.20, 4.54) while academicians were three times (1-0.24) less likely to have good vector control practice than non-academicians (aOR 0.24; 95%CI 0.13, 0.48). Good acceptance of Wolbachia was associated with being academicians (aOR 8.83; 95%CI 2.60, 29.96) and having good knowledge regarding DF (aOR 6.07; 95% CI 2.89, 12.74). Gender, different income level and type of occupation have significant association with either good knowledge regarding DF or practice on vector control. Different type of occupation and level of knowledge also were notably significantly associated with good acceptance on Wolbachia as dengue biological control. These factors may be the focus for future plan to enhance the knowledge, acceptance and practice regarding DF and its control.
Wolbachia ; Dengue, Aedes ; Knowledge ; Practice ; Acceptance ; Questionnaire ; Healthcare staff