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Thorn CS, Maness RW, Hulke JM, Delmore KE, Criscione CD. Population genomics of helminth parasites. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e29. [PMID: 36927601 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Next generation sequencing technologies have facilitated a shift from a few targeted loci in population genetic studies to whole genome approaches. Here, we review the types of questions and inferences regarding the population biology and evolution of parasitic helminths being addressed within the field of population genomics. Topics include parabiome, hybridization, population structure, loci under selection and linkage mapping. We highlight various advances, and note the current trends in the field, particularly a focus on human-related parasites despite the inherent biodiversity of helminth species. We conclude by advocating for a broader application of population genomics to reflect the taxonomic and life history breadth displayed by helminth parasites. As such, our basic knowledge about helminth population biology and evolution would be enhanced while the diversity of helminths in itself would facilitate population genomic comparative studies to address broader ecological and evolutionary concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Thorn
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - R W Maness
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - J M Hulke
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - K E Delmore
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - C D Criscione
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Pakharukova MY, Zaparina O, Hong SJ, Sripa B, Mordvinov VA. A comparative study of Helicobacter pylori infection in hamsters experimentally infected with liver flukes Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, or Clonorchis sinensis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7789. [PMID: 33833389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori causes a wide range of human diseases including cancer. Carcinogenic foodborne trematodes Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, and O. felineus might promote transmission and spread of H. pylori infection in the definitive mammalian host, which in turn might contribute to the liver fluke-associated malignancy. Our objectives were to find out whether liver flukes O. felineus, O. viverrini, and C. sinensis are carriers of Helicobacter pylori and to determine whether H. pylori is present in feces, bile, and stomach samples from the experimentally infected hamsters. We found that liver flukes are not reservoirs of H. pylori. Nevertheless, the prevalence of H. pylori and the H. pylori ureA gene copy number were significantly elevated after the infection. Overall, although the liver flukes O. felineus, C. sinensis, and O. viverrini are not reservoirs of H. pylori, the infection with the liver flukes significantly modifies the biliary and gut microbiota by increasing H. pylori abundance. This may be a feature of any liver fluke pathogenesis that have not previously been taken into account. Our findings appear to be novel in terms of comparative assessment of the host microbiota and Helicobacter abundance during epidemiologically important liver fluke infections.
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Nor-Azita A, Siti-Khadijah A, Azhany Y, Norwazilah M. Presumed diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis and cat-scratch disease: Dual infection in a single patient. Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2021; 12:349-353. [PMID: 36248091 PMCID: PMC9558468 DOI: 10.4103/tjo.tjo_92_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A healthy 35-year-old Malay woman presented with left eye pain for 1 week, and ocular examination showed evidence of panuveitis. She had granulomatous type of anterior uveitis with secondary high intraocular pressure (IOP). Fundus showed optic disc swelling, mild vitritis, and multiple subretinal lesions, which later formed a migratory track. A diagnosis of presumed diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis was made. At the same time, the serology test for Bartonella henselae was positive. The patient was treated with antiglaucoma medicine and topical steroids. An antihelminthic was initially used, and later, an antibiotic for cat-scratch disease was added. In addition, focal laser photocoagulation was performed. After 3 months, her visual acuity improved together with a reduction in inflammation and well-controlled IOP.
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Donohue RE, Cross ZK, Michael E. The extent, nature, and pathogenic consequences of helminth polyparasitism in humans: A meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007455. [PMID: 31211774 PMCID: PMC6599140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individual helminth infections are ubiquitous in the tropics; geographical overlaps in endemicity and epidemiological reports suggest areas endemic for multiple helminthiases are also burdened with high prevalences of intestinal protozoan infections, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite this, pathogens tend to be studied in isolation, and there remains a need for a better understanding of the community ecology and health consequences of helminth polyparasitism to inform the design of effective parasite control programs. Methodology We performed meta-analyses to (i) evaluate the commonality of polyparasitism for helminth-helminth, helminth-intestinal protozoa, helminth-malaria, helminth-TB, and helminth-HIV co-infections, (ii) assess the potential for interspecies interactions among helminth-helminth and helminth-intestinal protozoan infections, and (iii) determine the presence and magnitude of association between specific parasite pairs. Additionally, we conducted a review of reported health consequences of multiply-infected individuals compared to singly- or not multiply-infected individuals. Principal findings We found that helminth-helminth and helminth-intestinal protozoan multiple infections were significantly more common than single infections, while individuals with malaria, TB, and HIV were more likely to be singly-infected with these infections than co-infected with at least one helminth. Most observed species density distributions significantly differed from the expected distributions, suggesting the potential presence of interspecies interactions. All significant associations between parasite pairs were positive in direction, irrespective of the combination of pathogens. Polyparasitized individuals largely exhibited lower hemoglobin levels and higher anemia prevalence, while the differences in growth-related variables were mostly statistically insignificant. Conclusions Our findings confirm that helminth polyparasitism and co-infection with major diseases is common in the tropics. A multitude of factors acting at various hierarchical levels, such as interspecies interactions at the within-host infra-parasite community level and environmental variables at the higher host community level, could explain the observed positive associations between pathogens; there remains a need to develop new frameworks which can consider these multilevel factors to better understand the processes structuring parasite communities to accomplish their control. Helminth infections are a highly prevalent global health problem. These parasitic worm infections occur in areas also burdened with intestinal protozoan infections, malaria, tuberculosis, and human immunodeficiency virus. While these pathogens tend to be studied in isolation, there remains a need to better understand the nature, extent, and health consequences of helminth polyparasitism and co-infection with major diseases. Here, we reviewed the literature and performed meta-analyses to evaluate the commonality of helminth polyparasitism and co-infection, the potential for interspecies interactions between parasites, the association between parasite pairs, and the health consequences among multiply-infected individuals. We confirmed that polyparasitism and co-infection with major diseases are common in the global South and found that multiply-infected individuals experienced worse health consequences when compared to singly or not-multiply infected individuals. Our analysis suggested the potential presence of interspecies interactions and we identified the existence of positive associations between parasite pairs. These findings support the call for integrating deworming into malaria, TB, and HIV treatment protocols and suggest there remains a need to improve our understanding of the factors influencing co-transmission to achieve sustainable parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose E. Donohue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Zoë K. Cross
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Edwin Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Muslim A, Mohd Sofian S, Shaari SA, Hoh BP, Lim YAL. Prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of soil transmitted helminth infections: A comparison between Negritos (indigenous) in inland jungle and those in resettlement at town peripheries. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007331. [PMID: 31009476 PMCID: PMC6497322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Formerly known as the Malaysian hunter gatherers, the Negrito Orang Asli (OA) were heavily dependent on the forest for sustenance and early studies indicated high prevalence of intestinal parasitism. Initiation of a redevelopment program in the 1970s aimed to demarginalize the OA was expected to reduce soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Gradually, the OA were relocated to new resettlement areas at the peripheries. The aim of this study was to compare STH infections between Negritos who are still living in the inland jungle with those living in resettlements. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 416 Negrito participants were grouped into two categories of communities based on location; Inland Jungle Villages (IJV); and Resettlement Plan Scheme (RPS). Iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, modified Trichrome and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Kato-Katz methods were performed on stool samples. A questionnaire was used to collect information regarding demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and hygiene behaviors. Prevalence of STH was significantly higher in IJV (91.3%) versus RPS (83.1%) (P = 0.02). However, the percentage of individuals with severe intensity of Trichuris trichiura infections was significantly higher in the RPS (17.2%) compared to IJV (6.5%) (P = 0.01). Severe Ascaris lumbricoides infection was observed at 20.0% amongst RPS Negritos and 15.0% amongst IJV (P = 0.41). Whilst for hookworm infection, both prevalence and individuals with moderate to severe infections were higher in the IJV (26.2%, 41.0%) versus RPS (18.7%, 24.0%) (P values = 0.08, 0.09), accordingly. The prevalence other intestinal parasitic infections (e.g. Entamoeba sp., Blastocystis and flukes) was also higher in IJV versus RPS. Apart from poor hygienic behaviors as significant risk factors in both communities, low socio-economic status was highly associated with STH infections in RPS (P<0.001) but not significantly associated in IJV. CONCLUSIONS The findings showed that ex situ development plan by RPS has not profoundly contributed to the STH reduction among the OA. Conversely, burden rate of T. trichiura infections increased due to their extreme poverty and poor hygienic behaviors. Here, we are suggesting biannual mass albendazole intervention (triple dose regimens in RPS, but a single dose in IJV) and community empowerment to both communities. For a long-term and better uptake, these strategies must be done together with the community input and participation, respecting their traditional customs and accompanied by recruitment of more OA people in the health-care taskforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azdayanti Muslim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Sungai Buloh Campus) Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sakinah Mohd Sofian
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Sungai Buloh Campus), Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syahrul Azlin Shaari
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Sungai Buloh Campus) Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Boon-Peng Hoh
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UCSI University Kuala Lumpur Campus, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Tengku-Idris TIN, Fong MY, Lau YL. Seroprevalence of sarcocystosis in the local communities of Pangkor and Tioman Islands using recombinant surface antigens 3 (rSAG3) of Sarcocystis falcatula. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:1374-1383. [PMID: 30286271 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the seroprevalence of Sarcocystosis in the local communities of Pangkor and Tioman islands, Malaysia, by using antigenic recombinant surface antigens 2 and 3 from Sarcocystis falcatula (rSfSAG2 and rSfSAG3) as the target proteins via Western blot and ELISA assays. METHODS SfSAG2 and SfSAG3 genes were isolated from S. falcatula and expressed in Escherichia coli expression system. A total of 348 serum samples [volunteers from both islands (n = 100), non-Sarcocystis parasitic infections patients (n = 50) and healthy donors (n = 100)] were collected and tested with purified SfSAGs in Western blot and ELISA assays to measure the seroprevalence of human sarcocystosis. RESULTS None of the sera in this study reacted with rSfSAG2 by Western blot and ELISA. For rSfSAG3, relatively high prevalence of sarcocystosis was observed in Tioman Island (75.5%) than in Pangkor Island (34%) by Western blot. In ELISA, the different prevalence rate was observed between Tioman Island (43.8%) and Pangkor Island (37%). The prevalence rate in other parasitic infections (amoebiasis, cysticercosis, filariasis, malaria, toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis) was 30% by Western blot and 26% by ELISA. Only 8% (by Western blot) and 10% (by ELISA) of healthy donors showed reactivity towards rSfSAG3. CONCLUSION This is the first study reporting a seroprevalence of sarcocystosis in Pangkor and Tioman Islands, Malaysia. The combination of Western blot and ELISA is suitable to be used for serodiagnosis of sarcocystosis. With further evaluations, SfSAG3 can potentially be used to confirm infection, asymptomatic screening, surveillance and epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mun Yik Fong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Lee SC, Ngui R, Tan TK, Roslan MA, Ithoi I, Mahdy MAK, Hakim S L, Lim YAL. Understanding Giardia infections among rural communities using the one health approach. Acta Trop 2017; 176:349-354. [PMID: 28859958 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The epidemiology of giardiasis in rural villages in Peninsular Malaysia was examined in the context of the One Health triad that encompasses humans, animals and environment (i.e. river water). A cross-sectional study was carried out among five rural communities in Malaysia to determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in humans, animals and river water. Fecal samples collected from humans and animals were examined by light microscopy. Water was sampled from the rivers adjacent to the target communities and investigated for the occurrence of Giardia cysts. The isolated cysts were further genotyped targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase and triosephosphate isomerase genes. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 6.7% (18/269) and 4.7% (8/169) among humans and animals, respectively. Giardia cysts (mean concentration range: 0.10-5.97 cysts/L) were also found in adjacent rivers at four out of the five villages examined. At Kemensah and Kuala Pangsun, Giardia cysts were isolated from humans [rate: 3.7% each (of 54 each)], animals [rates: 6.3% (of 62) and 11.3% (of 16), respectively] and river water [average concentration of 9 samples each: 0.83±0.81 and 5.97±7.00, respectively]. For both villages at Pos Piah and Paya Lebar, 12.2% (of 98) and 6.1% (of 33) of collected human samples were infected, respectively whilst none of the collected animals samples in these villages were found to be positive. The river water samples of these two villages were also contaminated (average concentration: 0.20±0.35 (of 9) and 0.10±0.19 (of 3), respectively). In conclusion, Giardia cysts were simultaneously observed in the human-animal-environment (i.e., river water) interfaces in at least two of five studied communities highlighting a vital need to improve understanding on the interplay of transmission dynamics, the role of infected humans and animals in contaminating the water sources and the role of water as a vehicle of disease transmission in these communities. Indeed, this study illustrates the One Health approach which is to recognize that the optimal health of humans are interconnected with the well-being of animals and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ching Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERIA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tiong Kai Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, 115 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muhammad Aidil Roslan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed A K Mahdy
- Tropical Disease Research Center, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Lokman Hakim S
- Ministry of Health, Block E7, Parcel E, Federal Government Administration Centre, 62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia; Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne A L Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERIA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Chin YT, Lim YAL, Chong CW, Teh CSJ, Yap IKS, Lee SC, Tee MZ, Siow VWY, Chua KH. Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among two indigenous sub-ethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:77. [PMID: 27430215 PMCID: PMC4950084 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0168-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among indigenous people have been widely documented in Malaysia, however, the prevalence of these infections remains high. In the past, most studies have focused on specific species of parasites but polyparasitism has received limited attention. In addition, epidemiology studies on indigenous people tend to consider them as a homogenous group, whereas in reality different sub-ethnic groups have different cultural and living practices. Variations in living habits such as personal hygiene practices may predispose different groups to different parasitic infections. To better understand prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among different sub-ethnic groups, the present study was conducted among two sub-ethnic groups of indigenous people (Temuan and Mah Meri) residing in Selangor state, Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study that focused on two distinct sub-ethnic groups was carried out from February to September 2014. Faecal samples were collected from 186 participants and examined using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. A molecular approach was adopted to conduct a genetic characterisation of the parasites. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to obtain information on the demographics, socio-economic backgrounds and behavioural risks relating to the participants, as well as information about their environments. Statistical analyses (i.e. binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses) were performed to measure risk factors. Results For Temuan communities, trichuriasis (64.2 %) was the most common infection found, preceding hookworm infection (34 %), ascariasis (7.5 %), giardiasis (14.2 %) and amoebiasis (7.5 %). As for the Mah Meri communities, trichuriasis (77.5 %) prevailed over ascariasis (21.3 %), hookworm (15 %), giardiasis (7.5 %) and amoebiasis (3.8 %). Significant differences in proportions of trichuriasis, ascariasis and hookworm infections were observed between the Temuan and Mah Meri sub-ethnic groups. Polyparasitism was more common among the Temuan sub-ethnic group (41.5 %) compared to the Mah Meri sub-ethnic group (32.5 %), with the majority of participants harbouring two parasites concurrently (Temuan: 33 %, Mah Meri: 20 %). Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides co-infections were most prevalent (10 %) among the Mah Meri communities, while a co-infection of T. trichiura with hookworm (19.8 %) was most common among the Temuan communities. Multivariate analyses showed that being unemployed, having a large family and drinking unboiled water were found to be significantly associated with intestinal parasitism. Conclusion The present study highlights substantial polyparasitism and risk factors for infections in the Temuan and Mah Meri sub-ethnic groups. The high prevalence of IPIs among these two sub-ethnic groups indicates that parasitic infections are important health issues in these communities. Hence, it is imperative to implement sound intervention strategies such as periodic preventive chemotherapy coupled with health education in order to reduce and eradicate these infections. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0168-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuee Teng Chin
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Chun Wie Chong
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Cindy Shuan Ju Teh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ivan Kok Seng Yap
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soo Ching Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mian Zi Tee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vinnie Wei Yin Siow
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Elyana FN, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ithoi I, Abdulsalam AM, Dawaki S, Nasr NA, Atroosh WM, Abd-Basher MH, Al-Areeqi MA, Sady H, Subramaniam LR, Anuar TS, Lau YL, Moktar N, Surin J. A tale of two communities: intestinal polyparasitism among Orang Asli and Malay communities in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:398. [PMID: 27422533 PMCID: PMC4947346 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are still major health problems in many developing countries including Malaysia, particularly in the poor and socioeconomically deprived rural and remote communities in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of IPIs and to identify the key factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism as well as to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on IPIs among rural Orang Asli and Malay communities in Terengganu, Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 participants (165 Orang Asli and 175 Malay) aged ≤ 15 years from the Hulu Terengganu and Kemaman districts of Terengganu. Faecal samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome stain, modified Ziehl Neelsen stain, in vitro cultivation in Jones’ medium, Kato Katz and Harada Mori techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural information of the participants and their KAP for IPIs were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Results Overall, 149 (90.3 %) Orang Asli and 43 (24.6 %) Malay children were infected by at least one parasite species. The overall prevalences of intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli and Malay were 68.5 % (113/165) and 14.3 % (25/175), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that using unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, the presence of domestic animals, not wearing shoes when outside, not washing vegetables before consumption, not washing hands after playing with soil, indiscriminate defecation and the low level of mother’s education were the key risk factors for intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli, while working mothers and the presence of domestic animals were the risk factors among the Malay children. Almost all the Malays were well aware about the IPIs while Orang Asli respondents had a poor level of related awareness. Conclusions This study demonstrates that IPIs are highly prevalent in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Community awareness about IPIs was found to be imperative in protecting Malay children from these infections. An integrated control programme for the prevention and control of IPIs is highly recommended for these communities, with a special emphasis on the Orang Asli population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin Nur Elyana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,Endemic and Tropical Diseases Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Awatif M Abdulsalam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Salwa Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nabil A Nasr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wahib M Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Hafiz Abd-Basher
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mona A Al-Areeqi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lahvanya R Subramaniam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Johari Surin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Centre for Research and Innovation, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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Angal L, Mahmud R, Samin S, Yap NJ, Ngui R, Amir A, Ithoi I, Kamarulzaman A, Lim YAL. Determining intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in inmates from Kajang Prison, Selangor, Malaysia for improved prison management. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:467. [PMID: 26511347 PMCID: PMC4625744 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1178-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prison management in Malaysia is proactively seeking to improve the health status of the prison inmates. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are widely distributed throughout the world and are still gaining great concern due to their significant morbidity and mortality among infected humans. In Malaysia, there is a paucity of information on IPIs among prison inmates. In order to further enhance the current health strategies employed, the present study aims to establish firm data on the prevalence and diversity of IPIs among HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals in a prison, an area in which informed knowledge is still very limited. METHODS Samples were subjected to microscopy examination and serological test (only for Strongyloides). Speciation for parasites on microscopy-positive samples and seropositive samples for Strongyloides were further determined via polymerase chain reaction. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 294 stool and blood samples each were successfully collected, involving 131 HIV positive and 163 HIV negative adult male inmates whose age ranged from 21 to 69-years-old. Overall prevalence showed 26.5% was positive for various IPIs. The IPIs detected included Blastocystis sp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Trichuris trichiura. Comparatively, the rate of IPIs was slightly higher among the HIV positive inmates (27.5%) than HIV negative inmates (25.8%). Interestingly, seropositivity for S. stercoralis was more predominant in HIV negative inmates (10.4%) compared to HIV-infected inmates (6.9%), however these findings were not statistically significant. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Blastocystis, Strongyloides, Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar. CONCLUSIONS These data will enable the health care providers and prison management staff to understand the trend and epidemiological situations in HIV/parasitic co-infections in a prison. This information will further assist in providing evidence-based guidance to improve prevention, control and management strategies of IPIs co-infections among both HIV positive and HIV negative inmates in a prison environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorainne Angal
- 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.
| | | | - Nan-Jiun Yap
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Amirah Amir
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Department of Medicine, 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.
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Abstract
Indigenous populations worldwide are experiencing social, cultural, demographic, nutritional, and psychoemotional changes that have a profound impact on health. Regardless of their geographical location or sociopolitical situation, health indicators are always poorer for indigenous populations than for nonindigenous ones. The determinants of this gap are multiple and interactive, and their analysis requires a biocultural framework. Indigenous populations suffer from lower life expectancy, high infant and child mortality, high maternal morbidity and mortality, heavy infectious disease loads, malnutrition, stunted growth, increasing levels of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, substance abuse, and depression. The devastating effects of colonization, the loss of ancestral land, and language and cultural barriers for access to health care are among the most salient themes characterizing the poor health situation of indigenous people. Anthropology is extremely well suited to address the interplay among social, economic, and political forces that shape the local experiences of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Josh Snodgrass
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
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Abstract
Recurrent outbreaks of muscular sarcocystosis among tourists visiting islands in Malaysia have focused international attention on sarcocystosis, a disease once considered rare in humans. Sarcocystis species require two hosts, definitive and intermediate, to complete their life cycle. Humans can serve as definitive hosts, with intestinal sarcocystosis for two species acquired from eating undercooked meat: Sarcocystis hominis, from beef, and Sarcocystis suihominis, from pork. Symptoms such as nausea, stomachache, and diarrhea vary widely depending on the number of cysts ingested but appear more severe with pork than with beef. Humans serve as intermediate hosts for Sarcocystis nesbitti, a species with a reptilian definitive host, and possibly other unidentified species, acquired by ingesting sporocysts from feces-contaminated food or water and the environment; infections have an early phase of development in vascular endothelium, with illness that is difficult to diagnose; clinical signs include fever, headache, and myalgia. Subsequent development of intramuscular cysts is characterized by myositis. Presumptive diagnosis based on travel history to tropical regions, elevated serum enzyme levels, and eosinophilia is confirmed by finding sarcocysts in muscle biopsy specimens. There is no vaccine or confirmed effective antiparasitic drug for muscular sarcocystosis, but anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce symptoms. Prevention strategies are also discussed.
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