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Samseh Abdullah N, Moktar N, Lee IL, Md Salleh F, Anuar TS. Comparison of Direct Examination and In Vitro Culture for the Detection of Blastocystis spp. in Orang Asli Stool Samples. SAINS MALAYS 2018. [DOI: 10.17576/jsm-2018-4709-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Noradilah SA, Lee IL, Anuar TS, Salleh FM, Abdul Manap SNA, Husnie NS, Azrul SM, Moktar N. Blastocystis spp. contaminated water sources in aboriginal settlements. Trop Biomed 2017; 34:110-117. [PMID: 33592988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis has been increasingly reported in water bodies. However, lack of studies to determine the presence of Blastocystis in water used by the aborigines in Malaysia has led to the birth of this research. This study was therefore aimed to determine the occurrence of Blastocystis in water samples in aboriginal settlements in Pahang, Malaysia. Water samples collected from seven sampling points of two rivers and other water sources in the villages were subjected to filtration and cultivation followed by trichrome staining. The trichrome stained slides were observed microscopically under 1000X magnification for the presence of Blastocystis. River samples were also measured for physicochemical parameters. From this study, 42.9% of the river water and 6.25% of other water samples were positive for Blastocystis. All river samples showed presence of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, indicating faecal contamination. Statistical analysis showed Blastocystis occurrence in the river were significantly correlated conductivity, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solid (TDS), concentration of sulfate and faecal coliforms. The river water used by the aborigines is a probable source for Blastocystis transmission in this community. Therefore, protection of the river from organic material and faecal contaminations are highly required in order to control the contamination by Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Noradilah
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
| | - I L Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kolej Universiti INSANIAH, Kuala Ketil, Kedah
| | - T S Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - F M Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - S N A Abdul Manap
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - N S Husnie
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - S M Azrul
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - N Moktar
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
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Noradilah SA, Lee IL, Anuar TS, Salleh FM, Abdul Manap SNA, Mohd Mohtar NSH, Azrul SM, Abdullah WO, Moktar N. Occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in water catchments at Malay villages and Aboriginal settlement during wet and dry seasons in Peninsular Malaysia. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2541. [PMID: 27761331 PMCID: PMC5068341 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2541] [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: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tropics, there are too few studies on isolation of Blastocystis sp. subtypes from water sources; in addition, there is also an absence of reported studies on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in water during different seasons. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in river water and other water sources that drained aboriginal vicinity of highly endemic intestinal parasitic infections during wet and dry seasons. Water samples were collected from six sampling points of Sungai Krau (K1–K6) and a point at Sungai Lompat (K7) and other water sources around the aboriginal villages. The water samples were collected during both seasons, wet and dry seasons. Filtration of the water samples were carried out using a flatbed membrane filtration system. The extracted DNA from concentrated water sediment was subjected to single round polymerase chain reaction and positive PCR products were subjected to sequencing. All samples were also subjected to filtration and cultured on membrane lactose glucuronide agar for the detection of faecal coliforms. During wet season, Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2 and ST3 were detected in river water samples. Blastocystis sp. ST3 occurrence was sustained in the river water samples during dry season. However Blastocystis sp. ST1 and ST2 were absent during dry season. Water samples collected from various water sources showed contaminations of Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4, during wet season and Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST3, ST8 and ST10 during dry season. Water collected from all river sampling points during both seasons showed growth of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, indicating faecal contamination. In this study, Blastocystis sp. ST3 is suggested as the most robust and resistant subtype able to survive in any adverse environmental condition. Restriction and control of human and animal faecal contaminations to the river and other water sources shall prevent the transmission of Blastocystis sp. to humans and animals in this aboriginal community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samseh Abdullah Noradilah
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kolej Universiti Insaniah , Kuala Ketil , Kedah , Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Noor Shazleen Husnie Mohd Mohtar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Syed Muhamad Azrul
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Wan Omar Abdullah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia , Pandan Indah , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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Koay JB, Natasya NN, Nashithatul M, Ihsanuddin R, Salleh FM, Azil AH. Using wintergreen oil for mounting mosquito larvae: a safer alternative to xylene. Biotech Histochem 2015; 91:63-70. [PMID: 26528914 DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2015.1074286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Permanent mounting of fourth instar mosquito larvae is essential for identifying Aedes spp. This procedure requires extensive exposure to xylene, a clearing agent in the mounting process. We investigated wintergreen oil as a substitute for xylene. Five hundred larvae were mounted on slides to evaluate shrinkage or expansion of specimens after clearing using xylene or wintergreen oil. We examined the ventral brush and siphonal hair tufts for species identification and for preservation of morphological characteristics after clearing specimens in xylene or wintergreen oil. Shrinkage of the length of whole larvae and width of the head, thorax and abdomen after mounting was significantly greater after clearing with xylene than with wintergreen oil. The length of the comb scale nearest the ventral brush was similar for both clearing agents. The clarity of the specimens after mounting was improved by clearing with wintergreen oil, but the integrity of the ventral brush and siphonal hair tufts were similar for both clearing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Koay
- a Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology , Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - N N Natasya
- a Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology , Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Mag Nashithatul
- a Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology , Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - R Ihsanuddin
- a Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology , Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - F M Salleh
- a Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology , Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - A H Azil
- a Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology , Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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Anuar TS, Moktar N, Salleh FM, Al-Mekhlafi HM. HUMAN GIARDIASIS IN MALAYSIA: CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PRESENCE OF CLINICAL MANIFESTATION AND GIARDIA INTESTINALIS ASSEMBLAGE. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2015; 46:835-843. [PMID: 26863854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical manifestations of giardiasis vary from asymptomatic infection to chronic diarrhea. A total of 611 stool samples from Aboriginal participants residing in Jelebu, Gerik and Temerloh States, Malaysia, ages 2 to 74 years were screened for Giardia intestinalis using microscopic examination and sequence analysis of a fragment of nested-PCR amplified triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. Demographic data was collected through a structured questionnaire. tpi was successfully amplified from 98/110 samples microscopically positive for G. intestinalis, with 62 and 36 belonging to assemblage A and B, respectively. There is a significant correlation between assemblage A and symptomatic infection only in participants of < 15 years of age. In the other age group, host factors may have more effects on the presence of clinical signs and symptoms than G. intestinalis assemblage types.
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Anuar TS, Hasim L, Moktar N, Salleh FM, Al-Mekhlafi HM. PREVALENCE OF DIENTAMOEBA FRAGILIS AMONG AN ORANG ASLI POPULATION IN RURAL MALAYSIA. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2015; 46:844-849. [PMID: 26863855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Dientamoeba fragilis is a trichomonad parasite that can infect the gastrointestinal tract of humans causing gastrointestinal disease. Little is known about its epidemiology. We evaluated the prevalence of D. fragilis by conducting a cross sectional study of an Orang Asli population in rural Malaysia. We examined stool samples from 150 participants for D. fragilis using Wheatley's trichrome stain and collected demographic data from each participant using a structured questionnaire. Five participants (3.3%) had D. fragilis in their stool; four of these were aged < 15 years; 3 were male and 2 were female. All participants with positive stool sample for D. fragilis were symptomatic; 3 had diarrhea and 2 had other gastrointestinal symptoms. D. fragilis is present in the study population. Further studies are needed to determine the virulence, pathogenicity and mode of transmission of D. fragilis in the study population.
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Noor JM, Salleh FM. The impact of ultrasound scan training on its usage among emergency personnel in Malaysian emergency departments. Crit Ultrasound J 2014. [PMCID: PMC4101666 DOI: 10.1186/2036-7902-6-s1-a24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Salleh FM, Moktar N, Yasin AM, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Anuar TS. An improved stool concentration procedure for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in Orang Asli stool samples. J Microbiol Methods 2014; 106:143-145. [PMID: 25193442 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To improve the stool concentration procedure, we modified different steps of the standard formalin-ether concentration technique and evaluated these modifications by examining stool samples collected in the field. Seven samples were found positive by the modified formalin-ether concentration technique (M-FECT). Therefore, the M-FECT procedure provides enhanced detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azlin Mohd Yasin
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Selangor, Malaysia.
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Anuar TS, Salleh FM, Moktar N. Soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors in three Orang Asli tribes in Peninsular Malaysia. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4101. [PMID: 24525479 PMCID: PMC3924211 DOI: 10.1038/srep04101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, information on prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among different tribes of Orang Asli (aboriginal) is scarce in Malaysia. The present study is a cross-sectional study aimed at determining the factors associated with the prevalence of STH infections among the Proto-Malay, Negrito and Senoi tribes. Faecal samples were collected from 500 participants and socioeconomic data was collected via pre-tested questionnaire. All samples were processed using formalin-ether sedimentation and Wheatley's trichrome staining. Trichuris trichiura (57%) was the most common STH seen among the participants, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (23.8%) and hookworm (7.4%). Trichuriasis and ascariasis showed an age-dependency relationship; significantly higher rates were observed among Senois who aged <15 years. Likewise, Negritos also showed an age-dependency association with ascariasis affecting mainly the under 15 years old individuals. Multivariate logistic regression model indicated the following predictors of trichuriasis among these communities; being aged <15 years, consuming raw vegetables, belonging to a large household members (≥8) and earning low household income (<RM500). Meanwhile, ascariasis was significantly related to participants being aged <15 years and earning low household income. Two risk factors were found to be associated with hookworm infection; consuming raw vegetables and eating contaminated fresh fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Anuar TS, Nor Azreen S, Salleh FM, Moktar N. Molecular epidemiology of giardiasis among Orang Asli in Malaysia: application of the triosephosphate isomerase gene. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:78. [PMID: 24520940 PMCID: PMC3933338 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardia duodenalis is a flagellate parasite which has been considered the most common protozoa infecting human worldwide. Molecular characterization of G. duodenalis isolates have revealed the existence of eight groups (Assemblage A to H) which differ in their host distribution. Assemblages A and B are found in humans and in many other mammals. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted to identify assemblage's related risk factors of G. duodenalis among Orang Asli in Malaysia. Stool samples were collected from 611 individuals aged between 2 and 74 years old of whom 266 were males and 345 were females. Socioeconomic data were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire. All stool samples were processed with formalin-ether sedimentation and Wheatley's trichrome staining techniques for the primary identification of G. duodenalis. Molecular identification was carried out by the amplification of a triosephosphate isomerase gene using nested-PCR assay. RESULTS Sixty-two samples (10.2%) were identified as assemblage A and 36 (5.9%) were assemblage B. Risk analysis based on the detected assemblages using univariate and logistic regression analyses identified subjects who have close contact with household pets i.e. dogs and cats (OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.42, 4.78; P = 0.002) was found to be significant predictor for assemblage A. On the other hand, there were three significant risk factors caused by assemblage B: (i) children ≤15 years old (OR = 2.33; 95% CI = 1.11, 4.87; P = 0.025), (ii) consuming raw vegetables (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.27, 6.26; P = 0.011) and (iii) the presence of other family members infected with giardiasis (OR = 6.31; 95% CI = 2.99, 13.31; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The present study highlighted that G. duodenalis infection among Orang Asli was caused by both assemblages with significant high prevalence of assemblage A. Therefore, taking precaution after having contact with household pets and their stool, screening and treating infected individuals, awareness on the importance of good health practices and washing vegetables are the practical intervention ways in preventing giardiasis in Orang Asli community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Azreen
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Anuar TS, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Abdul Ghani MK, Azreen SN, Salleh FM, Ghazali N, Bernadus M, Moktar N. Different clinical outcomes of Entamoeba histolytica in Malaysia: does genetic diversity exist? Korean J Parasitol 2013; 51:231-6. [PMID: 23710093 PMCID: PMC3662069 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.2.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the clinical outcomes of Entamoeba histolytica infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic Orang Asli (aborigine) communities in Malaysia. Examination was performed on 500 stool samples obtained from Orang Asli communities in 3 different states using formalin-ether concentration, trichrome staining, and single-round PCR techniques. Out of 500 stool samples, single infection of E. histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii was identified in 3.2%, 13.4%, and 1%, respectively. In addition, 10 samples had mixed infections with E. histolytica and E. dispar. Six samples containing E. dispar were also positive for E. moshkovskii, and only 2 samples had E. histolytica in association with E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. Seventeen E. histolytica-positive samples were from symptomatic subjects, whereas the remaining 11 samples came from asymptomatic subjects. These findings suggest a predominant distribution of pathogenic potential of E. histolytica strains in this community. Therefore, further studies on genotyping of E. histolytica is required, to find out association between E. histolytica genotype and the outcome of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Anuar TS, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Abdul Ghani MK, Abu Bakar E, Azreen SN, Salleh FM, Moktar N. Evaluation of formalin-ether sedimentation and trichrome staining techniques: Its effectiveness in detecting Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii in stool samples. J Microbiol Methods 2013; 92:344-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Anuar TS, Ghani MKA, Azreen SN, Salleh FM, Moktar N. Blastocystis infection in Malaysia: evidence of waterborne and human-to-human transmissions among the Proto-Malay, Negrito and Senoi tribes of Orang Asli. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:40. [PMID: 23433099 PMCID: PMC3584727 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis has been described as the most common intestinal parasite in humans and has an increased impact on public health. However, the transmission of this parasite has not been conclusively determined. METHODS To contribute to a better comprehension of the epidemiology of this infection, a cross-sectional survey aimed at providing the first documented data on the prevalence and risk factors associated with Blastocystis infection was carried out among three Orang Asli tribes (Proto-Malay, Negrito and Senoi) in selected villages at Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Faecal samples were examined by formalin-ether sedimentation and trichrome staining techniques. RESULTS Of 500 individuals, 20.4% (102) were detected positive for Blastocystis; 13.3% (20/150) of Proto-Malays, 21.6% (30/139) of Negritos and 24.7% (52/211) of Senois were positive for Blastocystis, respectively. The positive cases showed a decrease with increasing age and most of the positive cases were observed in individuals less than 15 years old. Multivariate analysis confirmed that drinking untreated water and the presence of other family members infected with Blastocystis were significant risk factors of infection among the three tribes and overall population studied. CONCLUSION Essentially, the findings highlighted that Blastocystis infection is prevalent among Orang Asli communities in Malaysia. Further studies using molecular approaches to distinguish the subtype of Blastocystis is needed. The present study also revealed that this infection may be transmitted through waterborne and human-to-human contact. Therefore, interventions with the provision of clean water supply for the communities and health education especially to the parents are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Shahrul Anuar T, M. Al-Mekhlafi H, Abdul Ghani MK, Osman E, Mohd Yasin A, Nordin A, Nor Azreen S, Md Salleh F, Ghazali N, Bernadus M, Moktar N. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii infection among three Orang Asli ethnic groups in Malaysia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48165. [PMID: 23133561 PMCID: PMC3485054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar/Entamoeba moshkovskii infection is still prevalent in rural Malaysia especially among Orang Asli communities. Currently, information on prevalence of this infection among different ethnic groups of Orang Asli is unavailable in Malaysia. To contribute to a better comprehension of the epidemiology of this infection, a cross-sectional study aimed at providing the first documented data on the prevalence and risk factors associated with E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii infection was carried out among three Orang Asli ethnic groups (Proto-Malay, Negrito, and Senoi) in selected villages in Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Pahang states, Malaysia. METHODS/FINDINGS Faecal samples were examined by formalin-ether sedimentation and trichrome staining techniques. Of 500 individuals, 8.7% (13/150) of Proto-Malay, 29.5% (41/139) of Negrito, and 18.5% (39/211) of Senoi were positive for E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii, respectively. The prevalence of this infection showed an age-dependency relationship, with higher rates observed among those aged less than 15 years in all ethnic groups studied. Multivariate analysis confirmed that not washing hands after playing with soils or gardening and presence of other family members infected with E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii were significant risk factors of infection among all ethnic groups. However, eating with hands, the consumption of raw vegetables, and close contact with domestic animals were identified as significant risk factors in Senoi. CONCLUSIONS Essentially, the findings highlighted that E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii parasites are still prevalent in Malaysia. Further studies using molecular approaches to distinguish the morphologically identical species of pathogenic, E. histolytica from the non-pathogenic, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii are needed. The establishment of such data will be beneficial for the public health authorities in the planning and implementation of specific prevention and control strategies of this infection in different Orang Asli ethnic groups in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Kamel Abdul Ghani
- Programme of Biomedical Sciences, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Emelia Osman
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azlin Mohd Yasin
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anisah Nordin
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Azreen
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nuraffini Ghazali
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mekadina Bernadus
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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15
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Salleh FM, Anuar TS, Yasin AM, Moktar N. Wintergreen oil: a novel method in Wheatley's trichrome staining technique. J Microbiol Methods 2012; 91:174-8. [PMID: 22986100 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Permanent staining of faecal smears by Wheatley's trichrome technique has been used by many scientists for the detection of parasites in the past and it was found to be highly sensitive. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of Wintergreen oil in comparison with xylene in Wheatley's trichrome staining technique, as the reference technique. In a blind comparison study, 500 collected faecal samples from aboriginal communities were examined. Wintergreen oil was found to be more superior than xylene as a clearing agent in the Wheatley's trichrome staining of polyvinyl alcohol-fixed faecal smears for the identification of intestinal protozoa. Elimination of toxic, carcinogenic, and fire hazards makes Wintergreen oil the preferred choice in routine parasitology examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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16
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Anuar TS, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ghani MKA, Osman E, Yasin AM, Nordin A, Azreen SN, Salleh FM, Ghazali N, Bernadus M, Moktar N. Giardiasis among different tribes of Orang Asli in Malaysia: highlighting the presence of other family members infected with Giardia intestinalis as a main risk factor. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:871-80. [PMID: 22846786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The flagellate protozoan parasite, Giardia intestinalis, is widely distributed throughout the world with a high prevalence in developing countries in the tropics and subtropics, including Malaysia. Approximately 200 million people are infected with the parasite globally, with 500,000 new cases reported annually. This cross-sectional study was conducted among three tribes of Orang Asli communities in Selangor, Perak and Pahang states of Malaysia. The main objective was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for giardiasis. Stool samples were collected from 500 individuals aged between 2 and 74 years (males=219, females=281). The samples were examined with formalin-ether sedimentation and trichrome staining techniques. Socioeconomic data were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire. The overall prevalence of giardiasis was 20.0% with the highest prevalence in the Proto-Malays (33.3%) followed by Negritos (20.1%) and Senois (10.4%). The positive cases showed a decrease with increasing age and most of the positive cases were observed in individuals less than 24 years old. Males had significantly higher prevalence than females (χ(2)=5.283, P=0.022). Logistic regression analysis of the overall population studied and the Senoi tribe confirmed that being a child aged less than 15 years, being male, the consumption of raw vegetables and the presence of other family members infected with G. intestinalis were the main risk factors for giardiasis. The presence of other family members infected with G. intestinalis was the only risk factor highlighted in the Proto-Malay and Negrito tribes. Diarrhoea was significantly associated with giardiasis. However, the cause and effect relationship has yet to be determined. Thus, screening family members and treating the infected individuals are the main strategies that should be adopted by the public health authority in combating this infection in Orang Asli communities as well as health education regarding good personal and food hygiene practises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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17
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Nimir AR, Isa NHM, Eugene CBT, Ghauth IM, Salleh FM, Rahman RA. Severity of Malaria cases reported in urban and rural hospitals in Malaysia. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2006; 37:831-7. [PMID: 17333723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The age distribution, types of infection and clinical patterns of malaria were compared in patients admitted to an urban and a rural hospital. Analysis of the cases seen in urban setting characteristically indicated a relatively low transmission rate of the disease, whereas the mean inoculation rate in patients from the rural hospital was found to be at least twenty folds higher. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant causative species in the urban hospital (p = 0.01), infecting mostly adult (p = 0.001) males (p = 0.01). The geometric mean parasite count at 3432/microl among the urban patients was significantly higher than that in the rural patients at 1422/microl (p = 0.04). Coma and death were more common among the cases seen in the urban hospital (p = 0.003), while severe anemia was the significant complication in the rural setting. Overall, the provisional diagnosis of malaria was relatively low in the urban hospital (p = 0.02). The results from this study highlighted the need to define the extent of malaria in urban areas. This report attempts to identify the non-climatic determinants of the infection and, furthermore, to provide a more informed basis to describe the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal R Nimir
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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