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Dawaki S, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ithoi I. The burden and epidemiology of polyparasitism among rural communities in Kano State, Nigeria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 113:169-182. [PMID: 30551211 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic infections constitute a major public health problem worldwide, particularly among underprivileged communities in developing countries including Nigeria. The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology of polyparasitism (multiple parasitic infections) among rural communities in Kano State, North Central Nigeria. METHODS A total of 551 individuals were screened for the presence of intestinal, urogenital and blood parasites by using different diagnostic techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, household and behavioural characteristics were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 84.0% (463/551) of the participants were found to be infected with at least one parasite species, with 51.2% (282/551) of them having polyparasitism. The most prevalent parasites were Plasmodium falciparum (60.6%) followed by Blastocystis sp. (29.2%) and hookworm (15.4%). No significant association was found between malaria and helminth infections (p>0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the presence of other family members who had intestinal polyparasitism (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=4.12; 95% CI=2.72, 6.24), walking barefoot outside (AOR=1.70; 95% CI=1.09, 2.63) and being male (AOR=1.74; 95% CI=1.14, 2.66) were the significant risk factors of intestinal polyparasitism among the population studied. CONCLUSION Polyparasitism is highly prevalent among rural communities in Kano State. Therefore, effective, sustainable and integrated control measures should be identified and implemented to significantly reduce the burden and consequences of these infections in rural Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,School of Health Technology, Club Road, Nassarawa, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Medical Research Centre, 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, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Basher MHA, Ithoi I, Mahmud R, Abdulsalam AM, Foead AI, Dawaki S, Atroosh WMM, Nissapatorn V, Abdullah WO. Occurrence of Acanthamoeba genotypes in Central West Malaysian environments. Acta Trop 2018; 178:219-228. [PMID: 29203378 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous free-living protozoa that can be found worldwide. Occasionally, it can become parasitic and the causative agent of acanthamoebic keratitis (AK) and Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) in man. A total of 160 environmental samples and 225 naturally-infected animal corneal swabs were collected for Acanthamoeba cultivation. Acanthamoeba was found to be high in samples collected from environments (85%, 136/160) compared to infected animal corneas (24.89%, 56/225) by microscopic examination. Analysis of nucleotide sequence of 18S rRNA gene of all the 192 cultivable Acanthamoeba isolates revealed 4 genotypes (T3, T4. T5 and T15) with T4 as the most prevalent (69.27%, 133/192) followed by T5 (20.31%), T15 (9.90%) and T3 (0.52%). Genotype T4 was from the strain of A. castellanii U07401 (44.27%), A. castellanii U07409 (20.83%) and A. polyphagaAY026243 (4.17%), but interestingly, only A. castellanii U07401 was detected in naturally infected corneal samples. In environmental samples, T4 was commonly detected in all samples including dry soil, dust, wet debris, wet soil and water. Among the T4, A. castellanii (U07409) strains were detected high occurrence in dry (45%) followed by aquatic (32.50%) and moist (22.50%) samples but however A. castellanii (U07401) strains were dominant in dry samples of soil and dust (93.10%). Subsequently, genotype T5 of A. lenticulata (U94741) strains were dominant in samples collected from aquatic environments (58.97%). In summary, A. castellanii (U07401) strains were found dominant in both environmental and corneal swab samples. Therefore, these strains are possibly the most virulent and dry soil or dusts are the most possible source of Acanthamoeba infection in cats and dogs corneas.
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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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Mahboob T, Azlan AM, Shipton FN, Boonroumkaew P, Nor Azman NS, Sekaran SD, Ithoi I, Tan TC, Samudi C, Wiart C, Nissapatorn V. Acanthamoebicidal activity of periglaucine A and betulinic acid from Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr. in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:160-166. [PMID: 28916456 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba species are pathogenic protozoa which account for amoebic keratitis, conjunctivitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. These amoebae form cysts which resist drugs and more effective acanthamoebicidal agents are needed. Medicinal plants could be useful in improving the current treatment strategies for Acanthamoeba infections. In the present study, we examined the amoebicidal effects of Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr., a medicinal plant used for the treatment of conjunctivitis in Malaysia. Pathogenic Acanthamoeba triangularis were isolated from environmental water samples and treated with different concentrations of fractions obtained from Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr. as well as main constituents for 24-72 h. Chlorhexidine was used as a reference drug. Ethanol fraction of stem showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of trophozoites survival. Betulinic acid and periglaucine A from this plant at 100 μg/mL inhibited more than 70% survival of both cysts and trophozoites. The calculated therapeutic index for betulinic acid and periglaucine A was 170 and 1.5 for trophozoites stage and 3.75 and 8.5 for cysts stage. The observed amoebicidal efficacies indicate the beneficial aspects of this plant in the treatment of Acanthamoeba infection. Periglaucine A could also be of value for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Mahboob
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul-Majid Azlan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fiona Natalia Shipton
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, 43500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Nadiah Syafiqah Nor Azman
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, 43500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shamala Devi Sekaran
- Department of Microbiology, 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
| | - Tian-Chye Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chandramathi Samudi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Christophe Wiart
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, 43500 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, 80161 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
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Dawaki S, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ithoi I, Ibrahim J, Abdulsalam AM, Ahmed A, Sady H, Atroosh WM, Al-Areeqi MA, Elyana FN, Nasr NA, Surin J. PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG HAUSA COMMUNITIES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2017; 58:54. [PMID: 27410914 PMCID: PMC4964323 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases especially in Nigeria which has the greatest number of infected people worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 551 participants from Kano State, North Central Nigeria. Fecal samples were examined for the presence of Schistosoma mansoni eggs using the formalin-ether sedimentation method while the urine samples were examined using the filtration technique for the presence of S. haematobium eggs. Demographic, socioeconomic and environmental information was collected using a pre-validated questionnaire. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 17.8%, with 8.9% and 8.3% infected with S. mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively and 0.5% presenting co-infection with both species. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age < 18 years (OR = 2.13; 95% CI; 1.34- 3.41), presence of infected family members (OR = 3.98; 95% CI; 2.13-7.46), and history of infection (OR = 2.87; 95% CI; 1.87- 4.56) were the significant risk factors associated with schistosomiasis in these communities. In conclusion, this study revealed that schistosomiasis is still prevalent among Hausa communities in Nigeria. Mass drug administration, health education and community mobilization are imperative strategies to significantly reduce the prevalence and morbidity of schistosomiasis in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Hesham Mahyoub Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .,Endemic and Tropical Diseases Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Jamaiah Ibrahim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Awatif Mohammed Abdulsalam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Abdulhamid Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar'adua University. Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria. E-mail:
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Wahib Mohammed Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Mona Abdullah Al-Areeqi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Fatin Nur Elyana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Nabil Ahmed Nasr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Johari Surin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mails: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
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Al-Areeqi MA, Sady H, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Anuar TS, Al-Adhroey AH, Atroosh WM, Dawaki S, Elyana FN, Nasr NA, Ithoi I, Lau YL, Surin J. First molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections in Yemen: different species-specific associated risk factors. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:493-504. [PMID: 28151567 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections among rural communities in Yemen. METHODS In a community-based study, faecal samples were collected from 605 participants and examined by wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome staining and nested multiplex PCR techniques. Demographic, socio-economic and environmental information was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 324 (53.6%) of the samples were positive for Entamoeba cysts and/or trophozoites by microscopic examination. Molecular analysis revealed that 20.2%, 15.7% and 18.2% of the samples were positive for E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed different sets of species-specific risk factors among these communities. Educational level was identified as the significant risk factor for E. histolytica; age and gender were the significant risk factors for E. moshkovskii; and sources of drinking water and consumption of unwashed vegetables were the significant risk factors for E. dispar. Moreover, living in coastal/foothill areas and presence of other infected family members were risk factors for both E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii infections. CONCLUSION The study reveals that Entamoeba spp. infection is highly prevalent among rural communities in Yemen, with E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii differentiated for the first time. Identifying and treating infected family members, providing health education pertinent to good personal and food hygiene practices and providing clean drinking water should be considered in developing a strategy to control intestinal parasitic infections in these communities, particularly in the coastal/foothill areas of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A Al-Areeqi
- 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
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Hodeidah University, Hodeidah, Yemen
| | - 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.,Endemic and Tropical Diseases Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdulelah H Al-Adhroey
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Wahib M Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Salwa Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fatin Nur Elyana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nabil A Nasr
- 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
| | - Yee-Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Johari Surin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Centre for Research and Innovation, Taylor's University, Selangor, 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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Atroosh WM, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Al-Jasari A, Sady H, Dawaki SS, Elyana FN, Al-Areeqi MA, Nasr NA, Abdulsalam AM, Subramaniam LR, Azzani M, Ithoi I, Lau YL, Surin J. Different patterns of pfcrt and pfmdr1 polymorphism in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Tehama region, Yemen. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2191. [PMID: 27478699 PMCID: PMC4950566 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Despite the efforts of the malaria control programme, malaria morbidity is still a common health problem in Yemen, with 60% of the population at risk. Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for 99% of malaria cases. The emergence in Yemen of parasite resistance to chloroquine (CQ) prompted the adoption of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) in 2009, which involves the use of artesunate plus sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS + SP). However, CQ was retained as the drug of choice for vivax malaria. To assess the impact of the change in the malaria treatment policy five years after its introduction, the present study investigated the mutations in the CQ resistance transporter (pfcrt) and multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) genes. Method. A molecular investigation of 10 codons of pfcrt (72–76, 220, 271, 326, 356, and 371) and five codons of pfmdr1 (86, 184, 1034, 1042, and 1246) was conducted on P. falciparum isolates from districts with the highest malaria endemicity in the Hodeidah and Al-Mahwit governorates in Tehama region, Yemen. A total of 86 positive cases of falciparum monoinfection were investigated for the presence of mutations related to CQ and other antimalarials using a PCR-RFLP assay. Results. There was a wide prevalence of pfcrt gene mutations with the pfcrt 76T CQ resistance marker being predominant (97.7%). The prevalence of other pfcrt mutations varied from high (75E: 88%) to moderate (74I: 79.1%, 220S: 69.8%, 271E and 371I: 53.5%) or low (326S: 36%, 72S: 10.5%). Mutated pfcrt 72–76 amino acids haplotypes were highly prevalent (98.8%). Among these, the CVIET classic, old-world African/Southeast Asian haplotype was the most predominant, and was mostly found in the isolates from the Khamis Bani Saad district of Al-Mahwit (93.1%) and the AdDahi district of Hodeidah (88.9%). However, it was only found in 26.3% of the isolates from the Bajil district of Hodeidah. Surprisingly, the SVMNT new-world South American haplotype was exclusively detected in 9.3% of the isolates from the Bajil district of Hodeidah. Mutations at Y184F of pfmdr1 were found in all isolates (100%) from all districts. The mutation for codons 1034C and 86Y were found only in the isolates from the AdDahi and Khamis Bani Saad districts. Overall, the AdDahi and Khamis Bani Saad districts were similar in terms of carrying most of the mutations in the pfcrt and pfmdr1 genes, while there was a lower prevalence of mutation in the isolates from the Bajil district. Conclusion. The high prevalence of mutations in pfcrt 5 years after the official cessation of CQ use against P. falciparum suggests that there is sustained CQ pressure on P. falciparum isolates in the study area. Moreover, the low prevalence of mutations in the pfmdr1 gene could be a good indicator of the high susceptibility of P. falciparum isolates to antimalarials other than CQ. A new strategy to ensure the complete nationwide withdrawal of CQ from the private drug market is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahib M Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Unit of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Para-Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Aden, Khormaksar, Aden, Yemen
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Endemic and Tropical Diseases Unit, Medical Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Adel Al-Jasari
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Population , Sana'a , Yemen
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Salwa S Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Fatin N Elyana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Mona A Al-Areeqi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Nabil A Nasr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Awatif M Abdulsalam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Lahvanya R Subramaniam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Meram Azzani
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Init Ithoi
- 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
| | - Johari Surin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre for Research and Innovation, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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9
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Dawaki S, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ithoi I, Ibrahim J, Atroosh WM, Abdulsalam AM, Sady H, Elyana FN, Adamu AU, Yelwa SI, Ahmed A, Al-Areeqi MA, Subramaniam LR, Nasr NA, Lau YL. Is Nigeria winning the battle against malaria? Prevalence, risk factors and KAP assessment among Hausa communities in Kano State. Malar J 2016; 15:351. [PMID: 27392040 PMCID: PMC4938925 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is one of the most severe global public health problems worldwide, particularly in Africa, where Nigeria has the greatest number of malaria cases. This community-based study was designed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of malaria and to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding malaria among rural Hausa communities in Kano State, Nigeria. METHODS A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted on 551 participants from five local government areas in Kano State. Blood samples were collected and examined for the presence of Plasmodium species by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films, and PCR. Moreover, demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental information as well as KAP data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 334 (60.6 %) participants were found positive for Plasmodium falciparum. The prevalence differed significantly by age group (p < 0.01), but not by gender or location. A multivariate analysis showed that malaria was associated significantly with being aged 12 years or older, having a low household family income, not using insecticide treated nets (ITNs), and having no toilets in the house. Overall, 95.6 % of the respondents had prior knowledge about malaria, and 79.7, 87.6 and 95.7 % of them knew about the transmission, symptoms, and prevention of malaria, respectively. The majority (93.4 %) of the respondents considered malaria a serious disease. Although 79.5 % of the respondents had at least one ITN in their household, utilization rate of ITNs was 49.5 %. Significant associations between the respondents' knowledge concerning malaria and their age, gender, education, and household monthly income were reported. CONCLUSIONS Malaria is still highly prevalent among rural Hausa communities in Nigeria. Despite high levels of knowledge and attitudes in the study area, significant gaps persist in appropriate preventive practices, particularly the use of ITNs. Innovative and Integrated control measures to reduce the burden of malaria should be identified and implemented in these communities. Community mobilization and health education regarding the importance of using ITNs to prevent malaria and save lives should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,School of Health Technology, Club Road, Nassarawa, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - 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.
| | - Jamaiah Ibrahim
- 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
| | - Awatif M Abdulsalam
- 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
| | - Fatin Nur Elyana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ado U Adamu
- North West Zonal Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Saadatu I Yelwa
- Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso College of Advanced and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Abdulhamid Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria
| | - Mona A Al-Areeqi
- 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
| | - Nabil A Nasr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee-Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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10
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Richard RL, Ithoi I, Abd Majid MA, Wan Sulaiman WY, Tan TC, Nissapatorn V, Lim YAL. Monitoring of Waterborne Parasites in Two Drinking Water Treatment Plants: A Study in Sarawak, Malaysia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016; 13:E641. [PMID: 27367710 PMCID: PMC4962182 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13070641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of waterborne parasites coupled with water parameters at various processing sites of two drinking water treatment plants (A and B) and seven distribution system (DS) sites in Sarawak, Malaysia were studied. Ten liters of water underwent immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technique to detect the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo)cysts. The remaining supernatant was used to detect other parasites whilst 50 mL of water sample was each used in the detection of free-living amoebae and fecal coliforms. Sampled water was positive for Giardia (32.9%; 28/85), Cryptosporidium (18.8%; 16/85) followed by Spirometra ova-like (25.9%; 22/85), Blastocystis-like (25.9%; 22/85), nematode larvae-like (8.2%; 7/85) and Taenia ova-like (1.2%; 1/85). Meanwhile, 90.2% (55/61) samples were positive for Acanthamoeba and Naegleria via cultivation and of these, 11 isolates were confirmed as Acanthamoeba genotype T3 (5/7) and T4 (2/7) followed by Naegleria sp. (4/11), Naegleria italica (2/11), Naegleria australiensis (1/11), Naegleria angularis (1/11) and Vahlkampfia sp. (3/11). Cryptosporidium, Acanthamoeba and Naegleria were also detected in one of the seven tested DS sites. Only Giardia and Cryptosporidium showed significant correlations with fluoride and fecal coliforms. These results describe the occurrence of waterborne parasites that will assist key stakeholders in mitigating contamination at the specific sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Leeba Richard
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Mohamad Azlan Abd Majid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Tian Chye Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
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11
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Dawaki S, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ithoi I, Ibrahim J, Abdulsalam AM, Ahmed A, Sady H, Nasr NA, Atroosh WM. The Menace of Schistosomiasis in Nigeria: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Schistosomiasis among Rural Communities in Kano State. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143667. [PMID: 26606264 PMCID: PMC4659601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most common neglected tropical diseases, especially in the developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America, with Nigeria having the greatest number of cases of schistosomiasis worldwide. This community-based study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding schistosomiasis among rural Hausa communities in Kano State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 551 participants from Hausa communities in five local government areas in Kano State, North Central Nigeria. Demographic, socioeconomic and environmental information as well as KAP data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Moreover, faecal and urine samples were collected and examined for the presence of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium eggs respectively. Results The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 17.8%, with 8.9% and 8.3% infected with S. mansoni and S. haematobium respectively, and 0.5% had co-infection of both species. Moreover, 74.5% of the participants had prior knowledge about schistosomiasis with 67.0% of them how it is transmitted and 63.8% having no idea about the preventive measures. Three-quarters of the respondents considered schistosomiasis a serious disease while their practices to prevent infections were still inadequate, with only 34.7% of them seeking treatment from clinics/hospitals. Significant associations between the KAP and age, gender, education and employment status were reported. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, gender, history of infection and educational level of the respondents were the most important factors significantly associated with the KAP on schistosomiasis among this population. Conclusions Schistosomiasis is still prevalent among Hausa communities in Nigeria and participants’ knowledge about the disease was poor. Mass drug administration, community mobilization and health education regarding the cause, transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis and education about good personal and sanitary hygiene practices should be considered in order to significantly reduce the prevalence and morbidity of infection within these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Azal National Research Center, Azal University for Human Development, Sana’a, Yemen
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
- * E-mail: (HMA); (II)
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail: (HMA); (II)
| | - Jamaiah Ibrahim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Awatif M. Abdulsalam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdulhamid Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nabil A. Nasr
- 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
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12
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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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13
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Sady H, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Atroosh WM, Al-Delaimy AK, Nasr NA, Dawaki S, Al-Areeqi MA, Ithoi I, Abdulsalam AM, Chua KH, Surin J. Knowledge, attitude, and practices towards schistosomiasis among rural population in Yemen. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:436. [PMID: 26302747 PMCID: PMC4548916 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is highly prevalent in Yemen, with an estimated 3 million cases, particularly among rural communities. This community-based study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on schistosomiasis among rural communities in Yemen. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 households from ten rural districts in Yemen. Overall, 400 children were screened for urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis. Moreover, parents were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire to collect information about the demographic and socioeconomic information and their KAP concerning schistosomiasis. Results A total of 127 (31.8 %) children were found to be excreting schistosome eggs in either their urine or faeces (22.5 % S. haematobium and 8.0 % S. mansoni). Although 92.4 % of the respondents had heard about schistosomiasis, 49.8 %, 68.0 % and 47.2 % had knowledge concerning the transmission, signs and symptoms, and prevention, respectively. In addition, 77.1 % considered schistosomiasis as harmful while 48.5 % believed that schistosomiasis could be prevented, albeit their practices to prevent infections were still inadequate. Significant associations between the KAP and age, education, employment status and household monthly income were reported (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significantly higher level of knowledge was reported among the respondents who had infected children compared to those with no infected family members (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the level of education and the history of schistosomiasis were the most important factors associated with the KAP concerning schistosomiasis among this population. Conclusion This study reveals that knowledge about the cause, transmission, symptoms and prevention of schistosomiasis among the rural population in Yemen was inadequate, and that this could be a challenging obstacle to the elimination of schistosomiasis in these communities. Besides the current mass drug administration, school and community-based health education regarding schistosomiasis is imperative among these communities to significantly reduce the transmission and morbidity of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Hodeidah University, Hodeidah, Yemen.
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,Azal National Research Center, Azal University for Human Development, 447, Sana'a, Yemen. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, 1247, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Wahib M Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmed K Al-Delaimy
- 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.
| | - Salwa Dawaki
- 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.
| | - 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.
| | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Johari Surin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Atroosh WM, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Al-Jasari A, Sady H, Al-Delaimy AK, Nasr NA, Dawaki S, Abdulsalam AM, Ithoi I, Lau YL, Fong MY, Surin J. Genetic variation of pfhrp2 in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Yemen and the performance of HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test. Parasit Vectors 2015. [PMID: 26198252 PMCID: PMC4511234 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genetic variation in the Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene that may compromise the use of pfhrp2-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for the diagnosis of malaria was assessed in P. falciparum isolates from Yemen. Methods This study was conducted in Hodeidah and Al-Mahwit governorates, Yemen. A total of 622 individuals with fever were examined for malaria by CareStart™ malaria HRP2-RDT and Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films. The Pfhrp2 gene was amplified and sequenced from 180 isolates, and subjected to amino acid repeat types analysis. Results A total of 188 (30.2 %) participants were found positive for P. falciparum by the RDT. Overall, 12 different amino acid repeat types were identified in Yemeni isolates. Six repeat types were detected in all the isolates (100 %) namely types 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 and 12 while types 9 and 11 were not detected in any of the isolates. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of the used PfHRP2-based RDTs were high (90.5 % and 96.1 %, respectively). Conclusion The present study provides data on the genetic variation within the pfhrp2 gene, and its potential impact on the PfHRP2-based RDTs commonly used in Yemen. CareStart™ Malaria HRP2-based RDT showed high sensitivity and specificity in endemic areas of Yemen. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-1008-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahib M Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Aden, Aden, Yemen.
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,Azal National Research Centre, Azal University for Human Development, 447, Sana'a, Yemen. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, 1247, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Adel Al-Jasari
- National Malaria Control programme, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmed K Al-Delaimy
- 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.
| | - Salwa Dawaki
- 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.
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Mun Yik Fong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Johari Surin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Onichandran S, Kumar T, Salibay CC, Dungca JZ, Tabo HA, Tabo N, Tan TC, Lim YA, Sawangjaroen N, Phiriyasamith S, Andiappan H, Ithoi I, Lau YL, Nissapatorn V. Waterborne parasites: a current status from the Philippines. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:244. [PMID: 24885105 PMCID: PMC4049382 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the amount of awareness created, waterborne disease still poses threat, especially in developing countries. Due to the scarcity of reported data on waterborne parasites, the consumption of unsafe water prolongs. Thus, the occurrences of waterborne parasites from various samples were investigated from one of the Southeast Asian country, the Philippines. Methods A total of thirty three samples, each consisting of twelve liters, were collected and processed to obtain the sediment. Ten liters of sample each was processed to detect Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. using an immunomagnetic separation method prior to enumeration via fluorescence microscope. Meanwhile, the remaining two liters were cultured to detect Acanthamoeba and Naegleria through microscopy examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Results Twelve samples (36.4%) from river (5), swimming pool (1), pond (3), rain tank (1), and natural lake (2) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., 17 (45.5%) samples from river (9), pond (2), swimming pool (1), rain tank (1), and natural lake (4) were positive for Giardia spp. while, 13 (33.3%) samples from river (3), swimming pool (2), pond (2), dispenser (1), well (1), tap (2) and natural lake (2) were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. and 5 (18.2%) samples from river (1), natural lake (1), tap (1), dispenser (1) and mineral (1) were Naegleria spp. positive. Physical parameters such as temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solid (TDS), salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and turbidity and chemical parameters such as ammonia, chlorine, fluoride, nitrate and nitrite were also measured. The highest chemical contamination was observed at pond 2. A good correlation was observed between Giardia and nitrite (r = 0.736, p < 0.01) and Giardia and nitrate (r = 0.502, p < 0.01). Conclusion This study was aimed to create greater awareness of parasitic contamination in the water environment in the Philippines and also to act as a platform of the current scenario for policymakers as water pollution is a key health issue in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Kumar T, Onichandran S, Lim YAL, Sawangjaroen N, Ithoi I, Andiappan H, Salibay CC, Dungca JZ, Chye TT, Sulaiman WYW, Ling Lau Y, Nissapatorn V. Comparative study on waterborne parasites between Malaysia and Thailand: A new insight. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 90:682-9. [PMID: 24567315 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the distribution of parasites as main contaminants in water environments of peninsular Malaysia (October 2011-December 2011) and the southeastern coast of Thailand (June 2012). Sixty-four water samples, 33 from Malaysia and 31 from Thailand, of various water types were examined according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Drinking or household water types from both countries were free from parasitic contamination. The recreational/environmental (except a swimming pool in Malaysia) and effluent water types from these two countries were contaminated with waterborne parasites: Giardia (0.04-4 cysts/L), Cryptosporidium (0.06-2.33 oocysts/L), hookworm (6.67-350 ova/L), Ascaris (0.33-33.33 ova/L), and Schistosoma (9.25-13.33 ova/L). The most contaminated sites were recreational lake garden 3 in Malaysia and river 2 in Thailand. Higher concentrations of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and hookworm were found in samples from Malaysia than in samples from Thailand. The presence of Giardia cysts showed a significant association with the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts (P < 0.005).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thulasi Kumar
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand; Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Computer Studies, De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, The Philippines; School of Science and Technology, Centro Escolar University, Manila, The Philippines
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Lee SC, Ngui R, Tan TK, Roslan MA, Ithoi I, Lim YAL. Aquatic biomonitoring of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in peninsular Malaysia. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2014; 21:445-453. [PMID: 23794081 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1925-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
An aquatic biomonitoring of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in river water corresponding to five villages situated in three states in peninsular Malaysia was determined. There were 51.3% (20/39) and 23.1% (9/39) samples positive for Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo)cysts, respectively. Overall mean concentration between villages for Giardia cysts ranged from 0.10 to 25.80 cysts/l whilst Cryptosporidium oocysts ranged from 0.10 to 0.90 oocysts/l. Detailed results of the river samples from five villages indicated that Kuala Pangsun 100% (9/9), Kemensah 77.8% (7/9), Pos Piah 33.3% (3/9) and Paya Lebar 33.3% (1/3) were contaminated with Giardia cysts whilst Cryptosporidium (oo)cysts were only detected in Kemensah (100 %; 9/9) and Kuala Pangsun (66.6%; 6/9). However, the water samples from Bentong were all negative for these waterborne parasites. Samples were collected from lower point, midpoint and upper point. Midpoint refers to the section of the river where the studied communities are highly populated. Meanwhile, the position of the lower point is at least 2 km southward of the midpoint and upper point is at least 2 km northward of the midpoint. The highest mean concentration for (oo)cysts was found at the lower points [3.15 ± 6.09 (oo)cysts/l], followed by midpoints [0.66 ± 1.10 (oo)cysts/l] and upper points [0.66 ± 0.92 (oo)cysts/l]. The mean concentration of Giardia cysts was highest at Kuala Pangsun (i.e. 5.97 ± 7.0 cysts/l), followed by Kemensah (0.83 ± 0.81 cysts/l), Pos Piah (0.20 ± 0.35 cysts/l) and Paya Lebar (0.10 ± 0.19 cysts/l). On the other hand, the mean concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts was higher at Kemensah (0.31 ± 0.19 cysts/l) compared to Kuala Pangsun (0.03 ± 0.03cysts/l). All the physical and chemical parameters did not show significant correlation with both protozoa. In future, viability status and molecular characterisation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium should be applied to identify species and genotypes/subgenotypes for better understanding of the epidemiology of these waterborne parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ching Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Onichandran S, Kumar T, Lim YAL, Sawangjaroen N, Andiappan H, Salibay CC, Chye TT, Ithoi I, Dungca JZ, Sulaiman WYW, Ling LY, Nissapatorn V. Waterborne parasites and physico-chemical assessment of selected lakes in Malaysia. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:4185-91. [PMID: 24046263 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the physico-chemical parameters and waterborne parasites in selected recreational lakes from Malaysia. Samples were collected from seven stations of Recreational Lake A (RL-A) and six stations of Recreational Lake B (RL-B). The samples were processed to detect the presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. using immunomagnetic separation kit, helminth eggs or ova by bright field microscopy and Acanthamoeba spp. by cultivation in non-nutrient agar. Chemical parameters such as ammonia, chlorine, fluoride, nitrate and nitrite and physical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, salinity, temperature and total dissolved solid were also measured. Both lakes were freshwater with salinity ranging from 0.05 to 0.09 ppt. Most stations of these lakes were contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Ascaris spp. and hookworm. Schistosoma spp. was found in RL-B only, while Acanthamoeba spp. was found in all stations. Of all sampling sites, station 5 of RL-B is the most contaminated. Linear regression and correlation analysis revealed that Giardia spp. and Schistosoma spp. showed a significant negative correlation with turbidity (p < 0.01). Based on the preliminary data obtained, it is clearly shown that there is a necessity to implement the detection of waterborne parasites and physico-chemical analysis in Malaysia. Future work on heavy metals (chromium, copper, mercury and zinc) is recommended to enhance the overall water quality monitoring and to take appropriate safety measures to ensure maintenance of good water standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subashini Onichandran
- Department of Parasitology (Southeast Asia Water Team), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
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Lau YL, Anthony C, Fakhrurrazi SA, Ibrahim J, Ithoi I, Mahmud R. Real-time PCR assay in differentiating Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infections in Orang Asli settlements in Malaysia. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:250. [PMID: 23985047 PMCID: PMC3765902 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is the third leading cause of death worldwide. This pathogenic amoeba is morphologically indistinguishable from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, the non-pathogenic species. Polymerase chain reaction is the current method of choice approved by World Health Organization. Real-time PCR is another attractive molecular method for diagnosis of infectious diseases as post-PCR analyses are eliminated and turnaround times are shorter. The present work aimed to compare the results of Entamoeba species identification using the real-time assay against the established nested PCR method. Methods In this study, a total of 334 human faecal samples were collected from different Orang Asli settlements. Faecal samples were processed by direct wet smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration methods followed by iodine staining and was microscopically examined for Entamoeba species and other intestinal parasites. Microscopically positive samples were then subject to nested PCR and real-time PCR. Results The overall prevalence of Entamoeba infection was 19.5% (65/334). SK Posh Piah recorded highest Entamoeba prevalence (63.3%) while Kampung Kemensah had the lowest prevalence (3.7%) of Entamoeba. Microscopically positive samples were then tested by real-time PCR and nested PCR for the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infection. Real-time PCR showed higher Entamoeba detection (86.2%) compared to nested PCR (80%), although the McNemar test value showed no significant difference between the two methods (p = 0.221). Conclusions This study is the first in Malaysia to report the use of real-time PCR in identifying and differentiating the three Entamoeba infections. It is also proven to be more effective compared to the conventional nested PCR molecular method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Ling Lau
- Tropical Infectious Disease Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Ithoi I, Mahmud R, Abdul Basher MH, Jali A, Abdulsalam AM, Ibrahim J, Mak JW. Acanthamoeba genotype T4 detected in naturally-infected feline corneas found to be in homology with those causing human keratitis. Trop Biomed 2013; 30:131-40. [PMID: 23665719] [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: 09/28/2022]
Abstract
A total of 10 out of 65 cornea swab samples from cats with eye symptoms showed Acanthamoeba-like morphology after cultivation. By PCR and DNA sequencing of Acanthamoeba diagnostic fragment 3 (DF3), all 10 isolates from the positive samples were categorized into two homologous groups of AfC1 (PM1, PM2, PM3, PF6, KM7, KF8, KMK9) and AfC2 (PM4, PM5, KFK10) due to the presence of bases A(354) and G(354), respectively. Furthermore, DF3 of AfC1 and AfC2 showed 100% similarity with Genbank reference isolates with the accession numbers DQ087314, EU146073 and U07401, GU808323, which were Acanthamoeba castellanii strains genotype T4 originating from human keratitis. This finding suggests that A. castellani strains have the capability to infect cats and human under favorable conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Abdulsalam AM, Ithoi I, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Khan AH, Ahmed A, Surin J, Mak JW. Prevalence, predictors and clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. in Sebha, Libya. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:86. [PMID: 23566585 PMCID: PMC3626707 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis sp. has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries. The clinical relevance of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis infection and its association with gastrointestinal symptoms among outpatients in Sebha city, Libya. METHODS A total of 380 stool samples were collected from outpatients attending the Central Laboratory in Sebha, Libya for routine stool examination. The presence of Blastocystis sp. was screened comparing light microscopy of direct smears against in vitro cultivation. Demographic and socioeconomic information were collected with a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 22.1%. The prevalence was significantly higher among patients aged ≥18 years compared to those aged < 18 years (29.4% vs 9.9%; x² = 19.746; P < 0.001), and in males compared to females (26.4% vs 17.5%; x² = 4.374; P = 0.036). Univariate analysis showed significant associations between Blastocystis infection and the occupational status (P = 0.017), family size (P = 0.023) and educational level (P = 0.042) of the participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the age of ≥ 18 years (OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 2.21; 9.86) and occupational status (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.02, 4.70) as significant predictors of Blastocystis infection among this population. In those who had only Blastocystis infection but no other gastrointestinal parasitic infections, the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was higher compared to those without Blastocystis infection (35.3% vs 13.2%; x² = 25.8; P < 0.001). The most common symptoms among these patients were abdominal pain (76.4%), flatulence (41.1%) and diarrhoea (21.5%). CONCLUSIONS Blastocystis sp. is prevalent and associated with gastrointestinal symptoms among communities in Sebha city, Libya. Age and occupational status were the significant predictors of infection. However, more studies from different areas in Libya are needed in order to delineate the epidemiology and clinical significance of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awatif M Abdulsalam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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Ahmed A, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Al-Adhroey AH, Ithoi I, Abdulsalam AM, Surin J. The nutritional impacts of soil-transmitted helminths infections among Orang Asli schoolchildren in rural Malaysia. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:119. [PMID: 22704549 PMCID: PMC3419660 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections, anaemia and malnutrition are major public health problems in school-age children in developing countries. This study was conducted on 289 Orang Asli (aboriginal) schoolchildren in order to assess the current prevalence and predictors of anaemia and malnutrition, as well as the nutritional impacts of STH infections among these children. METHODS A cross-sectional study was combined with a longitudinal follow-up three months after treatment with anthelminthic drugs. Blood samples were collected from the children to measure haemoglobin (Hb) level. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were also collected and the children were screened for STH. RESULTS The baseline findings revealed that the prevalence of anaemia, significant stunting, underweight and wasting among the children were 41.0%, 28.0%, 29.2% and 12.5%, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of trichuriasis, ascariasis and hookworm infections were 84.6%, 47.6% and 3.9%, respectively. Haemoglobin level was significantly lower among the moderate-to-heavy infected children compared to the negative-to-light infected children. Age <10 years and moderate-to-heavy ascariasis were the predictors of anaemia. Stunting was associated with gender, age, moderate-to-heavy ascariasis and trichuriasis. Three months post-treatment assessment showed that the moderate-to-heavy infected children gained significant increment in their mean Hb level compared to the negative-to-light infected children (0.44 g/dL compared to 0.08 g/dL). However, no difference was found in the mean increments in growth indices between the groups. CONCLUSION STH infections, anaemia and malnutrition are still prevalent and a matter of public health concern in Orang Asli communities in Malaysia. Sustainable deworming programme at school and community levels among these populations will help to improve their health and nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhamid Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
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Ithoi I, Ahmad AF, Mak JW, Nissapatorn V, Lau YL, Mahmud R. Morphological characteristics of developmental stages of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria species before and after staining by various techniques. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2012; 42:1327-38. [PMID: 22299400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2022]
Abstract
Seven stains were studied to determine the best color and contrast for staining the developmental stages of free living pathogenic Acanthamoeba and Naegleria species. The acid-fast bacilli stain (AFB) produced a blue color without contrast; trichrome-eosin and modified Field's showed various color contrasts; Giemsa, iron-hematoxylin, modified AFB and Gram produced only one color which distinguished the nucleus, nucleolus, cytoplasm, food- and water-vacuoles. The motile organs (acanthopodia, pseudopodia, lobopodia and flagella) were also clearly differentiated but produced a similar color as the cytoplasm. These motile organelles were first induced by incubating at 37 degrees C for at least 15 minutes and then fixing with methanol in order to preserve the protruding morphology prior to staining. The trichrome-eosin and iron-hematoxylin stains showed good color contrast for detecting all three stages, the trophozoite, cyst and flagellate; Giemsa and Gram stained the trophozoite and flagellate stages; the modified Field's and modified AFB stains stained only the trophozoite stage. Depending on the purpose, all these stains (except the AFB stain) can be used to identify the developmental stages of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria for clinical, epidemiological or public health use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
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Ahmed A, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Choy SH, Ithoi I, Al-Adhroey AH, Abdulsalam AM, Surin J. The burden of moderate-to-heavy soil-transmitted helminth infections among rural malaysian aborigines: an urgent need for an integrated control programme. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:242. [PMID: 22208559 PMCID: PMC3259102 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, among the most common neglected tropical diseases, continue to be a major threat to the health and socioeconomic wellbeing of infected people especially children in developing countries. Methods A cross-sectional study among 254 aboriginal schoolchildren was conducted in order to determine the current prevalence and intensity of infections and to investigate the potential risk factors associated with moderate-to-heavy burden of STH infections among these children. Results Overall, 93.7% of children were found to be infected with one or more STH species. The prevalence of trichuriasis, ascariasis and hookworm infections were 84.6%, 47.6% and 3.9%, respectively. Almost half of the participants had heavy trichuriasis, one-quarter had heavy ascariasis whereas all hookworm infections were light infections. Overall, moderate-to-heavy STH infections accounted for 56.7% of the total infections. Univariate analysis revealed that those using untreated water supply (P = 0.013), living in houses without toilets (P = 0.027) and having domestic animals in the houses (P = 0.044) had significantly higher prevalence of moderate-to-heavy infections than others. Logistic regression analysis confirmed using untreated water for drinking (P = 0.001) and the absence of a toilet in the house (P = 0.003) as significant risk factors of moderate-to-heavy STH infections among these children. Conclusion The high proportion of moderate-to-heavy STH infections further confirms the need for serious attention towards these devastating diseases that has put lives and the future of aboriginal children in jeopardy. Introduction of more poverty alleviation schemes, proper sanitation, provision of clean and safe drinking water, health education, as well as the introduction of periodic school-based deworming programmes are imperative among these communities in order to curtail the transmission and morbidity caused by STH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhamid Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Ithoi I, Ahmad AF, Nissapatorn V, Lau YL, Mahmud R, Mak JW. Detection of Naegleria species in environmental samples from Peninsular Malaysia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24327. [PMID: 21915311 PMCID: PMC3167841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Malaysia, researchers and medical practitioners are unfamiliar with Naegleria infections. Thus little is known about the existence of pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, and the resultant primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is seldom included in the differential diagnosis of central nervous system infections. This study was conducted to detect the presence of Naegleria species in various environmental samples. METHODS/FINDINGS A total of 41 Naegleria-like isolates were isolated from water and dust samples. All these isolates were subjected to PCR using two primer sets designed from the ITS1-ITS2 regions. The N. fowleri species-specific primer set failed to produce the expected amplicon. The Naegleria genus-specific primers produced amplicons of 408 bp (35), 450 bp (2), 457 bp (2) or 381 bp (2) from all 41 isolates isolated from aquatic (33) and dust (8) samples. Analysis of the sequences from 10 representative isolates revealed that amplicons with fragments 408, 450 and 457 bp showed homology with non-pathogenic Naegleria species, and 381 bp showed homology with Vahlkampfia species. These results concurred with the morphological observation that all 39 isolates which exhibited flagella were Naegleria, while 2 isolates (AC7, JN034055 and AC8, JN034056) that did not exhibit flagella were Vahlkampfia species. CONCLUSION To date, pathogenic species of N. fowleri have not been isolated from Malaysia. All 39 isolates that produced amplicons (408, 450 and 457 bp) from the genus-specific primers were identified as being similar to nonpathogenic Naegleria. Amplicon 408 bp from 5 representative isolates showed 100% and 99.7% identity to Naegleria philippinensis isolate RJTM (AM167890) and is thus believed to be the most common species in our environment. Amplicons 450 bp and 457 bp were respectively believed to be from 2 new species of Naegleria, since representative isolates showed lower homology and had a longer base pair length when compared to the reference species in the Genbank, Naegleria schusteri (AJ566626) and Naegleria laresi (AJ566630), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Ithoi I, Jali A, Mak JW, Wan Sulaiman WY, Mahmud R. Occurrence of blastocystis in water of two rivers from recreational areas in malaysia. J Parasitol Res 2011; 2011:123916. [PMID: 21772980 PMCID: PMC3135064 DOI: 10.1155/2011/123916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the occurrence of Blastocystis in water from two rivers, Sungai Congkak and Sungai Batu, located in recreational areas in Malaysia. This protozoan was detected in samples from both rivers with an average of 33.3% and 22.1%, respectively. It was detected highest at the downstream (73.8% and 33.8%) followed by midstream (17.5% and 25.0%) and upstream (8.8% and 7.5%) stations, with additionally higher detection during holidays (with average 47.5% and 30.8%) than week days (with average 19.2% and 13.3%), in both rivers, respectively. There was a strong association with the daily activities of locals and visitors, who came for water recreational activities, mainly located between midstream and downstream and was observed to be higher at Sungai Congkak. The detection of Blastocystis in these rivers' water implies that this protozoan could potentially be transmitted to humans by the waterborne route. Pearson correlation analysis showed that their occurrence was significantly correlated with faecal coliforms count; inconsistent correlation with dissolved oxygen, temperature and turbidity and no correlation with pH, conductivity and rainfall for both rivers. The correlation of coliforms and Blastocystis suggests the source of the Blastocystis in the water body is likely to be faecal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azman Jali
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Putra Malaysia University, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - J. W. Mak
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohela Mahmud
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ling LY, Ithoi I, Yik FM. Optimization for high-level expression in Pichia pastoris and purification of truncated and full length recombinant SAG2 of Toxoplasma gondii for diagnostic use. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2010; 41:507-513. [PMID: 20578535] [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: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
SAG2 is one of the major surface antigens of the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the present study, truncated recombinant SAG2(S) and full length recombinant SAG2(T) of T. gondii were optimally produced (approximately 15 mg/liter) in Pichia pastoris expression system using BMMY medium at pH 3, 25 degrees C in 0.5-1% methanol and a time-course of 1-2 days. The recombinant proteins were purified using a commercial gel filtration purification system obtaining approximately 33% recovery. The purified SAG2(S) and SAG2(T) showed molecular masses of 45 and 36 kDa by SDS-PAGE, respectively. The recombinant proteins were evaluated by Western blotting with patients' sera and demonstrated 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detection of toxoplasmosis. This study provided a means for large-scale expression and purification of SAG2, which should be useful for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lau Yee Ling
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Rohela M, Jamaiah I, Hui TT, Mak JW, Ithoi I, Amirah A. Dirofilaria causing eye infection in a patient from Malaysia. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2009; 40:914-8. [PMID: 19842373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2022]
Abstract
Human dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens have been reported in Malaysia. This is the fourth reported case of dirofilariasis caused by D. repens. The patient was a Chinese male from Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia who presented with a one day history of redness and itchiness over the temporal aspect of his left eye. A worm was seen and later removed from beneath the conjunctiva under local anesthesia and based on the morphological characteristics, it was identified as an immature Dirofilaria repens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rohela
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Nissapatorn V, Lee C, Ithoi I, Yik FM, Abdullah KA. Tuberculosis in AIDS patients. Malays J Med Sci 2003; 10:60-64. [PMID: 23365502 PMCID: PMC3557111] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2002] [Revised: 12/15/2002] [Accepted: 12/30/2002] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is the top agenda among opportunistic diseases and the most leading cause of death in HIV/AIDS patients. A total of 406 AIDS patients were recruited in this retrospective and descriptive study. 123/406 (30.3%) were diagnosed as AIDS-related tuberculosis (TB). Their age range from 17 to 69 years with a mean (±SD) of 37.2 (±9.51. There were significant association between occupation, or mode of HIV transmission and tuberculosis infection (p< 0.05). Pulmonary tuberculosis 104/123 (84.6%) was the most common disease location among TB patients. We found the significant association between the clinical presentations i.e. fever, cough, sputum or hemoptysis and TB patients (p<0.05), moreover, the level of CD4 cell count plays a significant role in association with the disease (p<0.05) in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Correspondence: Dr Veeranoot Nissapatorn MBBS (Delhi), Dip. of STD & AIDS, DTM&H and MCTM (Thailand). Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya Medical Centre, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mail:
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