1
|
Chen Y, Wu Y, Qin H, Xu H, Zhang L. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children from China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2023; 244:106958. [PMID: 37257675 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrhea in humans and animals, and a leading cause of diarrhea morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old. However, the meta-analysis of Cryptosporidium infection in children in China has not been published. We searched the databases for articles published on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children in China since the inception of these databases to 31 October 2022. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children was estimated using a random effects model. The results showed that 111 datasets from 24 provinces were selected for the final quantitative analysis. The estimated pooled Cryptosporidium infection prevalence in children in China was 2.9% (3300/126,381). The highest prevalence rate was in southwestern China (4.8%, 365/7766). Subgroup analysis indicated that the Cryptosporidium infection rate in children aged < 3 years (4.9%, 330/8428) was significantly higher than that in children aged 3-6 years (2.5%, 609/26,080) and >6 years (2.6%, 647/27,586). Six Cryptosporidium species were detected in children in China from the selected studies. C. hominis was the dominant species (77.1%, 145/188) and the proportions of subgenotype IaA14R4 of C. hominis was highest (42.8%, 62/145). The findings suggest that Chinese children is in a low level of Cryptosporidium infection, however, the geographical distribution of the infection is extensive. We suggest that measures should be taken to ensure the healthy growth of Chinese children by improving the water environment, increasing public health facilities, strengthening children's health education, and developing sound Cryptosporidium infection control programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuancai Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yayun Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang T, Wei Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Yu F, Qi M, Zhao W. Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium in kindergarten children in Southern Xinjiang, China. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105339. [PMID: 35840104 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a common cause of diarrhea in children globally. However, there is limited information on the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium in children in Xinjiang, China. This study aimed to assess the genetic characteristics and epidemiological status of Cryptosporidium in kindergarten children in Southern Xinjiang, China. A total of 609 fecal samples were collected from kindergartners aged 2-6 years from 11 counties in Southern Xinjiang, China. We used nested PCR amplification of the partial SSU rDNA gene to screen samples for Cryptosporidium spp. Isolates containing Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis were further subtyped for a gene encoding a 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60). We used MEGA7 to construct a phylogenetic tree to study the genetic relationship between the gp60 subtypes of these two species via the Maximum Likelihood method based on the Tamura-Nei model. Only 1.3% (8/609) of asymptomatic children were confirmed to be infected with Cryptosporidium, with a 2.0% (6/299) infection rate in boys and 0.6% (2/310) infection rate in girls. Three Cryptosporidium species were identified including C. felis (37.5%; 3/8), C. hominis (37.5%; 3/8), and C. parvum (25.0%; 2/8). Three C. hominis subtypes (IbA9G3, IdA14, and IfA12G1) and two C. parvum subtypes (IIdA14G1 and IIdA15G1) were also found. This study is the first to identify the presence of Cryptosporidium in kindergarten children in Southern Xinjiang, China. The presence of zoonotic C. parvum subtypes IIdA14G1 and IIdA15G1 indicates the possible cross-species transmission of Cryptosporidium between children and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China
| | - Zilin Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China
| | - Qiyuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China.
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Molecular Epidemiology of Human Cryptosporidiosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:34/2/e00087-19. [PMID: 33627442 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00087-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important causes of moderate to severe diarrhea and diarrhea-related mortality in children under 2 years of age in low- and middle-income countries. In recent decades, genotyping and subtyping tools have been used in epidemiological studies of human cryptosporidiosis. Results of these studies suggest that higher genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. is present in humans in these countries at both species and subtype levels and that anthroponotic transmission plays a major role in human cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidium hominis is the most common Cryptosporidium species in humans in almost all the low- and middle-income countries examined, with five subtype families (namely, Ia, Ib, Id, Ie, and If) being commonly found in most regions. In addition, most Cryptosporidium parvum infections in these areas are caused by the anthroponotic IIc subtype family rather than the zoonotic IIa subtype family. There is geographic segregation in Cryptosporidium hominis subtypes, as revealed by multilocus subtyping. Concurrent and sequential infections with different Cryptosporidium species and subtypes are common, as immunity against reinfection and cross protection against different Cryptosporidium species are partial. Differences in clinical presentations have been observed among Cryptosporidium species and C. hominis subtypes. These observations suggest that WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene)-based interventions should be implemented to prevent and control human cryptosporidiosis in low- and middle-income countries.
Collapse
|
4
|
Predominance of Blastocystis sp. Infection among School Children in Peninsular Malaysia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0136709. [PMID: 26914483 PMCID: PMC4767405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One of the largest cross-sectional study in recent years was carried out to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among urban and rural school children from five states namely Selangor, Perak, Pahang, Kedah and Johor in Peninsula Malaysia. This information would be vital for school authorities to influence strategies for providing better health especially in terms of reducing intestinal parasitism. Methods and Principal Findings A total of 3776 stool cups was distributed to 26 schools throughout the country. 1760 (46.61%) responded. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in both rural and urban areas was 13.3%, with Blastocystis sp (10.6%) being the most predominant, followed by Trichuris trichiura (3.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.5%) and hook worm infection (0.9%). Only rural school children had helminthic infection. In general Perak had the highest infection (37.2%, total, n = 317), followed by Selangor (10.4%, total, n = 729), Pahang (8.6%, total, n = 221), Kedah (6.2%, total, n = 195) and Johor (3.4%, total, n = 298). School children from rural schools had higher infection (13.7%, total, n = 922) than urban school children (7.2%, total, n = 838). Subtype (ST) 3 (54.3%) is the most predominant ST with persons infected with only ST1 and ST3 showing symptoms. Blastocystis sp infection significantly associated with low household income, low parent’s education and presence of symptoms (p<0.05). Conclusion It is critical that we institute deworming and treatment to eradicate the parasite especially in rural school children.
Collapse
|
5
|
NikNadia N, Sam IC, Khaidir N, Ngui R, Lim YAL, Goh XT, Choy SH, Chan YF. Risk Factors for Enterovirus A71 Seropositivity in Rural Indigenous Populations in West Malaysia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148767. [PMID: 26866912 PMCID: PMC4750978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), which is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, causes hand, foot and mouth disease and, rarely, severe neurological complications. In Malaysia, the indigenous rural community (Orang Asli) has a high prevalence of parasitic diseases due to poor sanitation, water supply and hygiene practices. This cross-sectional study compared the seroepidemiology of EV-A71 among rural Orang Asli and urban Kuala Lumpur populations in West Malaysia, and determined the risk factors associated with EV-A71 seropositivity in rural Orang Asli. Seropositive rates were determined by neutralization assay. EV-A71 seropositivity was strongly associated with increasing age in both populations. Rural Orang Asli children ≤12 years had significantly higher EV-A71 seropositivity rates than urban Kuala Lumpur children (95.5% vs 57.6%, P < 0.001), and also higher rates in the age groups of 1–3, 4–6 and 7–12 years. Multivariate analysis confirmed that age ≤12 years (adjusted OR 8.1, 95% CI 3.2–20.7, P < 0.001) and using untreated water (adjusted OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.3–16.6, P < 0.001) were independently associated with EV-A71 seropositivity in the Orang Asli population. Supply of clean drinking water may reduce the risk of EV-A71 infection. With significantly higher EV-A71 seropositive rates, younger rural children should be a priority target for future vaccination programs in Malaysia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nmn NikNadia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - I-Ching Sam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nasibah Khaidir
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne A L Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Xiang Ting Goh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Seow Huey Choy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yoke Fun Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Neglected tropical diseases among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): overview and update. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003575. [PMID: 25880767 PMCID: PMC4400050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) constitute an economic powerhouse, yet these countries also harbor a mostly hidden burden of poverty and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Almost 200 million people live in extreme poverty in ASEAN countries, mostly in the low or lower middle-income countries of Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Cambodia, and many of them are affected by at least one NTD. However, NTDs are prevalent even among upper middle-income ASEAN countries such as Malaysia and Thailand, especially among the indigenous populations. The three major intestinal helminth infections are the most common NTDs; each helminthiasis is associated with approximately 100 million infections in the region. In addition, more than 10 million people suffer from either liver or intestinal fluke infections, as well as schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF). Intestinal protozoan infections are widespread, while leishmaniasis has emerged in Thailand, and zoonotic malaria (Plasmodium knowlesi infection) causes severe morbidity in Malaysia. Melioidosis has emerged as an important bacterial NTD, as have selected rickettsial infections, and leptospirosis. Leprosy, yaws, and trachoma are still endemic in focal areas. Almost 70 million cases of dengue fever occur annually in ASEAN countries, such that this arboviral infection is now one of the most common and economically important NTDs in the region. A number of other arboviral and zoonotic viral infections have also emerged, including Japanese encephalitis; tick-borne viral infections; Nipah virus, a zoonosis present in fruit bats; and enterovirus 71 infection. There are urgent needs to expand surveillance activities in ASEAN countries, as well as to ensure mass drug administration is provided to populations at risk for intestinal helminth and fluke infections, LF, trachoma, and yaws. An ASEAN Network for Drugs, Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Traditional Medicines Innovation provides a policy framework for the development of new control and elimination tools. Together with prominent research institutions and universities, the World Health Organization (WHO), and its regional offices, these organizations could implement important public health improvements through NTD control and elimination in the coming decade.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sarkar R, Kattula D, Francis MR, Ajjampur SSR, Prabakaran AD, Jayavelu N, Muliyil J, Balraj V, Naumova EN, Ward HD, Kang G. Risk factors for cryptosporidiosis among children in a semi urban slum in southern India: a nested case-control study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 91:1128-37. [PMID: 25331810 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk factors for acquisition of cryptosporidial infection in resource-poor settings are poorly understood. A nested case-control study was conducted to assess factors associated with childhood cryptosporidiosis (detected by stool polymerase chain reaction) in an endemic, Indian slum community using data from two community-based studies with 580 children followed prospectively until their second birthday. Factors were assessed for overall cryptosporidiosis (N = 406), and for multiple (N = 208), asymptomatic (N = 243), and symptomatic (N = 163) infections, respectively. Presence of older siblings (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, P = 0.002) and stunting at 6 months of age (OR = 1.74, P = 0.019) were important risk factors for childhood cryptosporidiosis. Always boiling drinking water before consumption, the use of a toilet by all members of the family, and maternal age ≥ 23 years were protective. These results provide insights into acquisition of childhood cryptosporidiosis in settings with poor environmental sanitation, contaminated public water supply systems, and close human-animal contact. Disease control strategies will require a multifaceted approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Sarkar
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deepthi Kattula
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark R Francis
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sitara S R Ajjampur
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashok D Prabakaran
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nithya Jayavelu
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jayaprakash Muliyil
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vinohar Balraj
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elena N Naumova
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Honorine D Ward
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gagandeep Kang
- Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Al-Delaimy AK, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Nasr NA, Sady H, Atroosh WM, Nashiry M, Anuar TS, Moktar N, Lim YAL, Mahmud R. Epidemiology of intestinal polyparasitism among Orang Asli school children in rural Malaysia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3074. [PMID: 25144662 PMCID: PMC4140674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the current prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism (the concurrent infection with multiple intestinal parasite species) among Orang Asli school children in the Lipis district of Pahang state, Malaysia. Methods/Principal findings Fecal samples were collected from 498 school children (50.6% boys and 49.4% girls), and examined by using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome stain, modified Ziehl Neelsen stain, Kato-Katz, and Harada Mori techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and personal hygiene information were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 98.4% of the children were found to be infected by at least one parasite species. Of these, 71.4% had polyparasitism. The overall prevalence of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. infections were 95.6%, 47.8%, 28.3%, 28.3%, 14.1% and 5.2%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that using an unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, presence of other family members infected with intestinal parasitic infections (IPI), not washing vegetables before consumption, absence of a toilet in the house, not wearing shoes when outside, not cutting nails periodically, and not washing hands before eating were significant risk factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism among these children. Conclusions/Significance Intestinal polyparasitism is highly prevalent among children in the peninsular Malaysian Aboriginal communities. Hence, effective and sustainable control measures, including school-based periodic chemotherapy, providing adequate health education focused on good personal hygiene practices and proper sanitation, as well as safe drinking water supply should be implemented to reduce the prevalence and consequences of these infections in this population. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) are still a major public health problem worldwide, with more than 2 billion people infected with at least one parasite species. Despite efforts to improve the quality of life of the Orang Asli population in rural Malaysia, IPI are still highly prevalent and of serious concern in this population, especially among children. We screened 498 school children in Lipis district, Pahang, Malaysia for the prevalence and risk factors of polyparasitism (concurrent infection with multiple parasite species). Overall, 98.4% of the children were found to be infected by at least one parasite species, with 71.4% of them having polyparasitism. Using an unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, presence of another family member infected with IPI, not washing vegetables before consumption, absence of a toilet in the house, not wearing shoes when outside, not cutting nails periodically, and not washing hands before eating were significantly associated with intestinal polyparasitism among these children. Our findings revealed an urgent need to implement an effective and integrated control program to reduce the prevalence of IPI as a part of the efforts to improve the quality of life in Orang Asli communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed K. Al-Delaimy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Al-Anbar, Al-Anbar, Iraq
| | - Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
- * E-mail:
| | - Nabil A. Nasr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wahib M. Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Nashiry
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tengku S. Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne A. L. Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohela Mahmud
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
|
10
|
Serum IgG responses and seroconversion patterns to Cryptosporidium gp15 among children in a birth cohort in south India. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2012; 19:849-54. [PMID: 22518011 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00051-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The correlates of protective immunity to cryptosporidiosis are not well understood. This study was conducted to assess the effect of maternal serum IgG against Cryptosporidium gp15 on responses to this antigen in children with (cases) and without (controls) PCR-confirmed cryptosporidial diarrhea. Maternal sera (n = 129) and sera from cases (n = 39) and controls (n = 90) collected at 3.5, 9, and 24 months of age were tested for serum IgG against Cryptosporidium gp15 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seroconversion patterns were evaluated by estimating probabilities of seroconversion along three time points based on the transition pathways by using a first-order Markov chain process and empirical Bayesian estimates. There was no difference in serum IgG levels or seropositivity rates to gp15 between cases and controls across all time points in children or in IgG levels to this antigen between mothers of cases and controls. The most common transition pathway can be described as a seronegative child at 3.5 months who seroconverts at 9 months and remains seropositive at 24 months. This pattern remained stable irrespective of the serological status of the mother or the case or control status of the child. Children were most likely to be exposed to Cryptosporidium for the first time between the ages of 3 and 9 months, and most of the children seroconverted by 24 months. The high degree of seroconversion among control children is suggestive of high rates of asymptomatic transmission in this region.
Collapse
|