Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 50 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Pattern and predictors of soil-transmitted helminth reinfection among aboriginal schoolchildren in rural Peninsular Malaysia
    Hesham Al-Mekhlafi M, Surin J, Atiya AS, Ariffin WA, Mohammed Mahdy AK, Che Abdullah H
    Acta Trop, 2008 Aug;107(2):200-4.
    PMID: 18582430 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.05.022
    Data on soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and reinfection among Orang Asli (aborigine) schoolchildren and their nutritional and socioeconomic status were analyzed to investigate the pattern and the possible predictors of STH reinfection. In this longitudinal study, 120 (60 males and 60 females) Orang Asli primary schoolchildren aged 7-12 years and living in remote areas in Pos Betau, Kuala Lipis, Pahang were screened for the presence of STH using modified cellophane thick smear and Harada Mori techniques. The overall prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections were 65.8, 97.5 and 10.8%, respectively. After complete deworming with a 3-day course of 400mg/daily of albendazole tablets, children were re-examined at 3 and 6 months from baseline. The reinfection rate, by one or more of STH species, at 3 months after deworming was high (49.5%) while 79.6% of the children were reinfected at 6 months after deworming. Logistic regression analyses showed that females, stunted children and those living in houses without toilets had significantly higher reinfection rates than others at 3 months (P<0.05). At 6 months, maternal employment status emerged as another predictor where children of working mothers had significantly higher reinfection rates (P=0.026). In conclusion, reinfection rate of STH is high and thus necessitates frequent and periodic deworming among children. Public health personnel need to re-look at the current control measures and identify innovative and integrated ways in order to reduce STH significantly in the rural communities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/epidemiology; Hookworm Infections/parasitology; Hookworm Infections/transmission
  2. The efficacy of treatment with albendazole
    Hanjeet K, Mathias RG
    Acta Trop, 1991 Dec;50(2):111-4.
    PMID: 1685866
    Albendazole, a benzimidazole derivative, was administered as a single dose of either 400 mg or 600 mg to two groups to ascertain the efficacy, tolerance and safety of the regimens. At a dose of 400 mg, a cure rate 35/36 (97%) against Ascaris was found. At 600 mg, the cure rate was 21/30 (70%), significantly lower than the 400 mg rate. Against Trichuris, albendazole at 400 mg had a cure rate of 21/48 (44%), at 600 mg there was a cure rate of 29/43 (67%). Mild side effects were noted in 7 individuals. Whether the moderate increase in efficacy against Trichuris and the loss of efficacy against Ascaris improves the cost:benefit ratio must be left to the prescriber of the drug.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/drug therapy*
  3. Hookworm infections among migrant workers in Malaysia: Molecular identification of Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale
    Sahimin N, Lim YAL, Douadi B, Mohd Khalid MKN, Wilson JJ, Behnke JM, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2017 Sep;173:109-115.
    PMID: 28610937 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.06.011
    Ongoing urbanisation of the working population as well as cross-border migration of workers particularly into large cities has contributed to the development and growth of urban slums. These deprived areas are conducive for the transmission of intestinal pathogens including hookworm. The aim of this study was to determine both the prevalence and species identity of hookworm infections among the migrant worker community in Malaysia. A total of 388 faecal samples were collected from migrant workers between September 2014 and August 2015, representing workers from five employment sectors: construction, manufacturing, agriculture and plantations, food services and domestic services. Faecal samples were examined by microscopy and positive samples were subjected to molecular analysis. A total of 51 samples (13.1%) were positive by microscopy for hookworm infections. A two-step PCR based method amplifying a fragment of the 28S rRNA-ITS2 region was used to identify infections by Necator americanus and Ancylostoma spp. PCR products positive for Ancylostoma spp. were sequenced bidirectionally, and sequences analysed through BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Samples containing Ancylostoma duodenale were further characterized by amplification and sequencing a fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. PCR amplicons were successfully obtained from 42 (82.4%) of 51 samples, with 81.0% (34 of 42) identified as Necator americanus, 16.7% (7 of 42) as Ancylostoma spp. and 2.4% (1 of 42) as mixed infections of both species. All eight Ancylostoma spp. were confirmed to be Ancylostoma duodenale and this is the first time A. duodenale was reported in Malaysia. Samples containing A. duodenale from Nepalese and Indonesian workers shared high-similarity and were distinct compared to sequences from other countries. This study highlights the prevalence of hookworm infections among migrant workers living in Malaysia. Our findings underscore the necessity of screening migrant workers for hookworm infections, particularly those working in food-related services and industries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/diagnosis*; Hookworm Infections/epidemiology; Hookworm Infections/parasitology*
  4. Fulltext Red palm olein-enriched biscuit supplementation lowers Ascaris lumbricoides reinfection at 6-month after anthelmintic treatment among schoolchildren with vitamin A deficiency (VAD)
    Tan PY, Loganathan R, Teng KT, Lee SC, Mohd Johari SN, Selvaduray KR, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2023 Apr;240:106860.
    PMID: 36775004 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106860
    Notwithstanding the global efforts made to control intestinal parasitic infections, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are still one of the most prevalent infections globally, especially in developing countries. A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 343 primary schoolchildren (8-12 years old) with vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in rural areas of Malaysia to investigate the effects of red palm olein (RPO)-enriched biscuits on STH reinfection rates and infection intensities. The effects of the RPO-enriched biscuits (experimental group, n = 153) and palm olein (PO)-enriched biscuits (control group, n = 190), were assessed at 3- and 6-month after the administration of complete triple-dose albendazole (one dose of 400 mg for three consecutive days). The overall STH infection rate at baseline was recorded at 65.6%. At 6-month, a significantly lower reinfection rate of A. lumbricoides was observed in the experimental group (35.3%) compared to the control group (60.0%) (Phookworm were observed between experimental and control groups at 3- and 6-month (P>0.05). These findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of RPO-enriched biscuit supplementation on the reinfection of A. lumbricoides, which could be attributed to its high carotenoids content by enhancing host immune response and mucosal epithelium integrity. However, further studies are warranted to confirm whether RPO supplementation could result in similar parasite-specific beneficial effects in other community settings, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections*
  5. Fulltext Protein-energy malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminthiases among Orang Asli children in Selangor, Malaysia
    Al-Mekhlafi HM, Azlin M, Aini UN, Shaik A, Sa'iah A, Fatmah MS, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2005;14(2):188-94.
    PMID: 15927939
    This study aims to determine the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition and its association with soil-transmitted helminthiases in Orang Asli (Aborigine) children in Selangor, Malaysia. The results obtained from 368 children aged 2-15 years showed that the overall prevalence of mild and significant underweight was 32.1% and 56.5% respectively. The prevalence of mild stunting was 25.6% while another 61.3% had significant stunting. The overall prevalence of mild and significant wasting was 39.0% and 19.5% respectively. The overall prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infection were 61.9%, 98.2% and 37.0% respectively and of these 18.9%, 23.5% and 2.5% of the children had severe infection of the respective helminthes. The overall prevalence of giardiasis was 24.9%. The present study vividly shows that stunting and underweight are highly prevalent among Orang Asli children and therefore of concern in this community. In this population intestinal parasitic infections, especially severe trichuriasis and giardiasis, were identified as the main predictors of stunting and wasting respectively, in addition to age between 2 to 6 years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/complications; Hookworm Infections/epidemiology
  6. Socio-economic factors associated with intestinal parasites among children living in Gombak, Malaysia
    Rajeswari B, Sinniah B, Hussein H
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 1994;7(1):21-5.
    PMID: 8074940
    Fecal specimens collected from 456 school children in Gombak, Malaysia, revealed an overall prevalence rate of 62.9%. The most common parasite found was Trichuris trichiura (47.1%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (14.7%), Entamoeba coli (11.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (9.9%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (7.9%). Infection rates were high among the Indonesian immigrant workers' children (90%) followed by the Orang Asli (79.5%), Malay (59.4%) and Indians (36.4%). Females (66.3%) had a higher prevalence rate than the males (58.5%). The prevalence of infection was found to be associated with the socio-economic status, water supply, sanitary disposal of feces and family size. Albendazole administered as a single dose (400 mg) was found to be effective against Ascaris (100%) and hookworm (92.3%) but was not effective against Trichuris (39.2%).
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/drug therapy
  7. Iron deficiency in the tropics
    Fleming AF
    Clin Haematol, 1982 Jun;11(2):365-88.
    PMID: 7042157
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/blood
  8. Fulltext Prevalence and Molecular Aspects of Human Hookworms in Guilan Province, Northern Iran
    Sharifdini M, Ghanbarzadeh L, Kouhestani-Maklavani N, Mirjalali H, Saraei M
    Iran J Parasitol, 2017 Jul-Sep;12(3):374-381.
    PMID: 28979347
    BACKGROUND: Hookworm infection is one of the important Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in the world. It was previously more prevalent in the northern and southern parts of Iran with a prevalence rate higher than 40% in some endemic regions; nevertheless, the infection rate has decreased to less than 1%. This study aimed to determine prevalence and molecular aspects of hookworm infections in rural inhabitants of Fouman County, Guilan Province, northern Iran.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in 31 villages of Fouman district in Guilan Province, northern Iran during 2015-2016. Stool samples were collected from 1500 rural inhabitants and examined by formalin ethyl-acetate concentration as well as agar plate culture techniques. After treatment with albendazole, adult hookworms were isolated. Following DNA extraction, PCR amplification of ITS2-rDNA region was performed and the product was sequenced, followed by genetic variation analysis.

    RESULTS: Of 1500 samples, one case was morphologically diagnosed as N. americanus. In addition, molecular characterization verified the presence of N. americanus, showing more than 95% similarity with sequences of N. americanus present in GenBank. The patient showed no clinical symptoms and a mild hypereosinophilia was the only laboratory finding observed.

    CONCLUSION: A reduced prevalence of human hookworms was demonstrated within Guilan Province located in north of Iran. The N. americanus originated from Guilan had a high homology with the isolates found in Japan, Laos, Malaysia, and Australia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  9. Malnutrition and helminth infection among pre-school children in orang asli resettlement villages in Kelantan
    Zulkifli A, Khairul Anuar A, Atiya AS, Yano A
    JUMMEC, 1999;4:99-103.
    A survey of malnutrition and helminth infections among 268 pre-school children living in the Kuala Betis Orang Asli resttlement villages in Kelantan. The prevalence of helminth infections was 47.4% with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common helminth (43.9%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (29.7%) and hookworm (6.3%). The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections increased with age, with the highest prevalence found in the 6-7 years age group. The overall prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were 61.7%, 60.4% and 17.5% respectively. Both stunting and underweight were significantly higher among the infected children. Factors associated with helminth infections in the pre-school children were older age group, poor water supply and households with more than 5 members. Rountine regular deworming is recommended based on the World Health Organisation recommendations for school children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  10. Immigrant Health Study. 5. Faecal pathogens in foreign workers. [Abstract]
    Suresh K, Rajah S, Khairul Anuar A, Anuar Zaini MZ, Saminathan R, Ramakrishnan S
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:62-63.
    One hundred seventy three stool samples were obtained from workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and others. The stool samples were examined for Ascaris, Trichuris, Hookworm, Schistosomes, trematodes and cestodes. The protozaon parasites included Bnlantidiirrir coli, Blastocystis honlinis, Cyclospora cryptosporidium, Microsporidiirin, Entamoeeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, lodamoeba butschilli. Of these 21.9%, 17% and 1% of the population studied had hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides infections respectively. There was only one Indonesian reported to have Hymenolepis nana infections. The most common protozoan seen in the faecal sample is Blastocystis hominis (36%) followed by Giardia lamblia (4%). Most of the stools positive with these faecal pathogens were semisolid especially the ones positive for the protozoan. We have also shown Blastocystis from the Indonesian workers show very small forms almost 3-5 in size compared to the normal size of 10-15 pm in the other nationalities. These forms show a distinct growth profile in cultures and appears to be more resistant to temperature changes than Blastocystis seen in the other two nationalities. The high incidence of Hookworm and Trichuris infections is suggestive that if these workers are left unheated their productivity will be hampered by other possible serious complications such as anaemia, weight loss, abdominal pain with diarrhoea1 stools and nausea. There are increasing reports that Blastocystis hominis is pathogenic. Flatulence, abdominal discomfort and the increase in the frequency of the passing watery stool has been noted in patients infected with the parasite. Since most of the workers are generally housed in crowded rooms it is highly likely that this will facilitate transmission through the faecal-oral route of both Giardia and Blastocystis possibly increasing the incidences of these infections among workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  11. Roundworm and hookworm infection among malay school-boys - A survey of the Krian district, with a note on mass treatment in the schools.
    Grey JCP
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1929;4:138-41.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  12. General survey of hookworm and helminth infections
    Barnes ME, Russell PF
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1926;1:20-7.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  13. Notes on the incidence of hookworm infection of school children in the Kuala Lumpur area
    Robertson EA
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1929;4:137-8.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  14. Mass diagnosis of hookworm infection
    Lane C
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1929;4:16-17.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  15. Tropical ulcer
    Hughes H
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1931;6:116-123.
    1. Seventy-seven cases of tropical ulcer were studied in the General Hospital, Johore.
    2. Age was found to be an important factor in the incidence and duration of the disease.
    3. One or more debilitating factors could always be established. After removal of these factors, the ulcer in many cases tended to heal.
    4. The course of the ulcer is divided into three stages. Stage I is the spreading stage. In Stage II, a mild sloughing occurs within the original boundaries of the ulcer. This is a chronic stage. In stage III, there is either a stationary or a healing ulcer.
    5. Treatment for the first stage is mainly directed towards the general condition of the patient. In the second stage the associated debilitating factors are treated. In cases which do not respond to these measures we tried many forms of treatment. Of these, the most rational seems to be application of strong antiseptics to the sloughs themselves. We have used quinine, as recommended by Innes for this purpose, and we have obtained very satisfactory results in a small series of obstinate cases. Stage III is treated by the application of elastic adhesive bandage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  16. Some notes on a hookworm and roundworm survey
    Wolfe EDB
    Malayan Medical Journal, 1936;11:224-5.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  17. Fulltext The health of Malaysia’s “Orang Asli” peoples: a review of the scientific evidence on nutritional outcome, parasite infestations, and discussion on implications for clinical practice
    Phua, K.L.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(1):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    The Orang Asli of Malaysia continue to experience poor health. There appears to be stagnation of certain aspect of their health status. Underweight (low weight-for-age) and stunting (low height-for-age) are significant amongst Orang Asli children. Worm infestation such as Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm continue to afflict Orang Asli communities in Malaysia. Orang Asli communities can also be afflicted by other kinds of parasites, e.g. malaria parasites, microsporida parasites and Cryptosporidium parasites. Thus, primary care doctors who treat Orang Asli patients should be on the lookout for malnutrition and its effects (including anaemia, iodine deficiency, Vitamin A deficiency) as well as worm and parasite infestations. Such patients may need to undergo de-worming at regular intervals because of the tendency to get re-infected. Primary care doctors also need to be aware of possible interactions between infestations and nutritional deficiencies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  18. Fulltext Helminthiasis among primary rural school children in Bachok, Kelantan
    Anees, A.H., Zulkifli, A., Azmi, A., Syukri, M.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2003;3(2):19-22.
    MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study on helminthiasis among rural primary schoolchildren aged 9 to 10 years Bachok, Kelaritan was perfumed. A total of 680 schoolchildren participated in the study. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of the ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hoolcwonn. The worm load was then measured using the modified Stoll`s volumetric dilution
    technique. The overall prevalence of helminthiasis was 77 .2%. Trichuris trichiura were the commonest type of heminth noted - 66.8%, compared with Ascaris lumlrricoides (49.7%) and hookworm (1.8%). Mixed infections with Ascaris lumlyricoides and Trichuris trichiura was the commonest type of infection 249(41 .5%) . For Ascaris lumbncoides, 34.6% had mild and 5 I .3% had moderate worm load while for Trichurb trichiura, 66.5% had mild and 30.8 % had moderate worm load. Only 14.1% and 2.7% 4 of the schoolchildren had a heavy load of Ascaris lumlwicoides and Trichuris trichiura respectively. All the schookhildren with hookworm were only mildly infected. Targeted mass treatment for rural Mahysian schoolchildren is still essential, especially in areas where poverty and malnutrition are still prevalent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections
  19. Fulltext Prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of soil transmitted helminth infections: A comparison between Negritos (indigenous) in inland jungle and those in resettlement at town peripheries
    Muslim A, Mohd Sofian S, Shaari SA, Hoh BP, Lim YA
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2019 Apr;13(4):e0007331.
    PMID: 31009476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007331
    BACKGROUND: Formerly known as the Malaysian hunter gatherers, the Negrito Orang Asli (OA) were heavily dependent on the forest for sustenance and early studies indicated high prevalence of intestinal parasitism. Initiation of a redevelopment program in the 1970s aimed to demarginalize the OA was expected to reduce soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Gradually, the OA were relocated to new resettlement areas at the peripheries. The aim of this study was to compare STH infections between Negritos who are still living in the inland jungle with those living in resettlements.

    METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 416 Negrito participants were grouped into two categories of communities based on location; Inland Jungle Villages (IJV); and Resettlement Plan Scheme (RPS). Iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, modified Trichrome and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Kato-Katz methods were performed on stool samples. A questionnaire was used to collect information regarding demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and hygiene behaviors. Prevalence of STH was significantly higher in IJV (91.3%) versus RPS (83.1%) (P = 0.02). However, the percentage of individuals with severe intensity of Trichuris trichiura infections was significantly higher in the RPS (17.2%) compared to IJV (6.5%) (P = 0.01). Severe Ascaris lumbricoides infection was observed at 20.0% amongst RPS Negritos and 15.0% amongst IJV (P = 0.41). Whilst for hookworm infection, both prevalence and individuals with moderate to severe infections were higher in the IJV (26.2%, 41.0%) versus RPS (18.7%, 24.0%) (P values = 0.08, 0.09), accordingly. The prevalence other intestinal parasitic infections (e.g. Entamoeba sp., Blastocystis and flukes) was also higher in IJV versus RPS. Apart from poor hygienic behaviors as significant risk factors in both communities, low socio-economic status was highly associated with STH infections in RPS (P<0.001) but not significantly associated in IJV.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that ex situ development plan by RPS has not profoundly contributed to the STH reduction among the OA. Conversely, burden rate of T. trichiura infections increased due to their extreme poverty and poor hygienic behaviors. Here, we are suggesting biannual mass albendazole intervention (triple dose regimens in RPS, but a single dose in IJV) and community empowerment to both communities. For a long-term and better uptake, these strategies must be done together with the community input and participation, respecting their traditional customs and accompanied by recruitment of more OA people in the health-care taskforce.

    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/epidemiology
  20. Fulltext Prevalence and zoonotic potential of canine hookworms in Malaysia
    Mahdy MA, Lim YA, Ngui R, Siti Fatimah MR, Choy SH, Yap NJ, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2012;5:88.
    PMID: 22564445 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-88
    Canine hookworm infection is endemic in Southeast Asian countries with a prevalence ranging from 70% to 100%, with zoonotic transmission representing a potentially significant public health concern. However, there are limited data available on the prevalence of canine hookworms in Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hookworm and Ancylostoma species among dogs in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hookworm Infections/epidemiology; Hookworm Infections/parasitology; Hookworm Infections/veterinary*
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links