Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 128 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Exacerbated symptoms in Blastocystis sp.-infected patients treated with metronidazole: two case studies
    Rajamanikam A, Kumar S, Samudi C, Kudva M
    Parasitol Res, 2018 Aug;117(8):2585-2590.
    PMID: 29872961 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5948-x
    Blastocystis sp. is a gastrointestinal (GI) protozoan parasite reported to cause non-specific GI symptoms including diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, and nausea. Complete eradication of Blastocystis sp. is rather challenging even with the drug of choice, i.e., metronidazole. Here, we report on two Blastocystis sp.-infected individuals, who presented increased parasite load and exacerbated symptoms upon treatment with the usual recommended dosage and regime of metronidazole. The two studies uniquely demonstrate for the first time a cyst count as high as fivefold more than the original cyst count before treatment and show an exacerbation of GI symptoms despite treatment. The study provides additional support in recognizing metronidazole resistance in Blastocystis sp. and its consequences towards the pathogenicity of the parasite.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/drug therapy; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/physiopathology*
  2. Post-era mass drug administration: an update on intestinal parasitic infections in urban poor communities in Peninsular Malaysia
    Sahimin N, Abd Khalil NS, Lewis JW, Mohd Zain SN
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun 01;37(2):363-371.
    PMID: 33612805
    The health impact of a Malaysian national helminth control program which provided school-based anthelmintic chemotherapy from 1974 to 1983 was re-visited after three decades post MDA and associated risk factors amongst urban poor communities identified. Stool samples collected were screened using the formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique recovered at least one species of helminth and/or protozoan. Despite a steady decline observed between 1974-1983 however, post MDA infections continue to persist in pockets of communities moderately (18.9%; n=39/206) with higher infection recorded amongst PPR flat residents (22.5%, n=16/71). Among risk factors identified, waste management method was the primary factor for Ascaris lumbricoides infections (n=33; 16.0%), whereas age, education, employment and source of drinking water were significant risk factors for cryptosporidiosis. Despite the government's efforts to improve health through the provision of basic amenities to the general public, higher prevalence values amongst PPR flat dwellers suggests the need to implement targeted chemotherapeutic treatment of, once a year deworming as recommended by World Health Organization when the baseline prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the community is over 20%, in addition to preventive measures though improvements in health awareness programs and improved waste management methods.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/drug therapy*; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
  3. Fulltext Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal helminth infection among rural malay children
    Huat LB, Mitra AK, Jamil NI, Dam PC, Mohamed HJ, Muda WA
    J Glob Infect Dis, 2012 Jan;4(1):10-4.
    PMID: 22529621 DOI: 10.4103/0974-777X.93753
    Soil-transmitted intestinal helminth infection is prevalent in rural communities of Malaysia. Risk factors contributing to helminth infections are largely unknown in the country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
  4. Fulltext Determining intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in inmates from Kajang Prison, Selangor, Malaysia for improved prison management
    Angal L, Mahmud R, Samin S, Yap NJ, Ngui R, Amir A, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2015 Oct 29;15:467.
    PMID: 26511347 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1178-3
    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.

    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/genetics; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology*
  5. An association of faecal egg counts and prolactin concentrations in sera of periparturient Angora goats
    Rahman WA, Collins GH
    Vet Parasitol, 1992 Jun;43(1-2):85-91.
    PMID: 1496805
    Faecal egg counts and serum prolactin concentrations in 13 pregnant and five non-pregnant Angora goats were monitored over a period of 20 weeks. The mean weekly egg counts of pregnant goats were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than those of non-pregnant goats. In pregnant goats the mean egg counts in the 6 week post-partum period were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than those of 6 weeks prepartum. The mean prolactin concentration of pregnant goats during the 6 week post-partum period was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than that of 6 weeks pre-partum. During the 6 to 3 weeks before parturition, the prolactin values generally remained low (below 100 ng ml-1). The rise in prolactin concentration started between 3 weeks and 1 week before parturition. Only in pregnant goats was there a positive linear regression between prolactin levels and faecal egg counts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/blood; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary*
  6. Anthelmintic resistance in Haemonchus contortus from sheep in Malaysia
    Pandey VS, Sivaraj S
    Vet Parasitol, 1994 May;53(1-2):67-74.
    PMID: 8091619
    Albendazole, oxfendazole, fenbendazole, levamisole, closantel, ivermectin and febantel were administered to sheep on four farms and their efficacy assessed by faecal egg count reduction test. High level of resistance of Haemonchus contortus was found to benzimidazoles (albendazole, oxfendazole, fenbendazole) on all farms and to febantel on the one farm where it was tested. No resistance to closantel and levamisole was observed. Resistance to ivermectin was absent on the three farms examined under this study, but has been reported on the fourth farm in earlier work. It is concluded that anthelmintic resistance to benzimidazoles and the probenzimidazole, febantel, is a serious and widespread problem in H. contortus in sheep in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/drug therapy; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary*
  7. Fulltext The effect of repeated chemotherapy on the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infection
    Chan L, Kan SP, Bundy DA
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1992 Jun;23(2):228-34.
    PMID: 1439974
    The prevalence and intensity of intestinal nematode infections were assessed during 3 anthelminthic interventions in an urban community in Malaysia. The prevalence levels of Ascaris lumbricoides at Interventions 1, 2 and 3 were 30.6%, 18.9% and 15.5%, respectively and the mean intensities were 1.9, 0.75 and 0.81 worms per person. For Trichuris trichiura, the prevalence levels at Interventions 1, 2 and 3 were 46.9%, 21.6% and 15.7%, respectively. The mean intensities for T. trichiura at Interventions 1, 2 and 3 were 3.30, 0.92 and 0.07 worms per person. No gender-related prevalence and intensity were observed for the two geohelminths in this community. Prevalences and intensity had convex age profiles. Although repeated chemotherapeutic intervention reduced both prevalence and intensity levels, intensity was a more sensitive indicator than prevalence. The results indicate that age-targetting treatment at school children of 7-12 years of age would be an appropriate strategy for this community.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/drug therapy*; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology
  8. Fulltext Fecal parasite risk in the endangered proboscis monkey is higher in an anthropogenically managed forest environment compared to a riparian rain forest in Sabah, Borneo
    Klaus A, Strube C, Röper KM, Radespiel U, Schaarschmidt F, Nathan S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(4):e0195584.
    PMID: 29630671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195584
    Understanding determinants shaping infection risk of endangered wildlife is a major topic in conservation medicine. The proboscis monkey, Nasalis larvatus, an endemic primate flagship species for conservation in Borneo, is endangered through habitat loss, but can still be found in riparian lowland and mangrove forests, and in some protected areas. To assess socioecological and anthropogenic influence on intestinal helminth infections in N. larvatus, 724 fecal samples of harem and bachelor groups, varying in size and the number of juveniles, were collected between June and October 2012 from two study sites in Malaysian Borneo: 634 samples were obtained from groups inhabiting the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (LKWS), 90 samples were collected from groups of the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (LBPMS), where monkeys are fed on stationary feeding platforms. Parasite risk was quantified by intestinal helminth prevalence, host parasite species richness (PSR), and eggs per gram feces (epg). Generalized linear mixed effect models were applied to explore whether study site, group type, group size, the number of juveniles per group, and sampling month predict parasite risk. At the LBPMS, prevalence and epg of Trichuris spp., strongylids, and Strongyloides spp. but not Ascaris spp., as well as host PSR were significantly elevated. Only for Strongyloides spp., prevalence showed significant changes between months; at both sites, the beginning rainy season with increased precipitation was linked to higher prevalence, suggesting the external life cycle of Strongyloides spp. to benefit from humidity. Higher prevalence, epgs, and PSR within the LBPMS suggest that anthropogenic factors shape host infection risk more than socioecological factors, most likely via higher re-infection rates and chronic stress. Noninvasive measurement of fecal parasite stages is an important tool for assessing transmission dynamics and infection risks for endangered tropical wildlife. Findings will contribute to healthcare management in nature and in anthropogenically managed environments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/transmission; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary
  9. Fulltext Migrant Workers in Malaysia: Current Implications of Sociodemographic and Environmental Characteristics in the Transmission of Intestinal Parasitic Infections
    Sahimin N, Lim YA, Ariffin F, Behnke JM, Lewis JW, Mohd Zain SN
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2016 Nov;10(11):e0005110.
    PMID: 27806046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005110
    A cross-sectional study of intestinal parasitic infections amongst migrant workers in Malaysia was conducted. A total of 388 workers were recruited from five sectors including manufacturing, construction, plantation, domestic and food services. The majority were recruited from Indonesia (n = 167, 43.3%), followed by Nepal (n = 81, 20.9%), Bangladesh (n = 70, 18%), India (n = 47, 12.1%) and Myanmar (n = 23, 5.9.2%). A total of four nematode species (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis and hookworms), one cestode (Hymenolepis nana) and three protozoan species (Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium spp.) were identified. High prevalence of infections with A. lumbricoides (43.3%) was recorded followed by hookworms (13.1%), E. histolytica/dispar (11.6%), Giardia sp. (10.8%), T. trichura (9.5%), Cryptosporodium spp. (3.1%), H. nana (1.8%) and E. vermicularis (0.5%). Infections were significantly influenced by socio-demographic (nationality), and environmental characteristics (length of working years in the country, employment sector and educational level). Up to 84.0% of migrant workers from Nepal and 83.0% from India were infected with intestinal parasites, with the ascarid nematode A. lumbricoides occurring in 72.8% of the Nepalese and 68.1% of the Indian population. In addition, workers with an employment history of less than a year or newly arrived in Malaysia were most likely to show high levels of infection as prevalence of workers infected with A. lumbricoides was reduced from 58.2% to 35.4% following a year's residence. These findings suggest that improvement is warranted in public health and should include mandatory medical screening upon entry into the country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology*; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/transmission*
  10. Fulltext Attenuation of hydrogen peroxide and ferric reducing/antioxidant power serum levels in colorectal cancer patients with intestinal parasitic infection
    Chandramathi S, Suresh KG, Anita ZB, Kuppusamy UR
    Malays J Med Sci, 2009 Apr;16(2):15-20.
    PMID: 22589653 MyJurnal
    This study assessed several common oxidative indices in subjects infected with intestinal parasites, as well as in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients both with and without intestinal parasites.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
  11. Wintergreen oil: a novel method in Wheatley's trichrome staining technique
    Salleh FM, Anuar TS, Yasin AM, Moktar N
    J Microbiol Methods, 2012 Oct;91(1):174-8.
    PMID: 22986100 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2012.08.004
    Permanent staining of faecal smears by Wheatley's trichrome technique has been used by many scientists for the detection of parasites in the past and it was found to be highly sensitive. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of Wintergreen oil in comparison with xylene in Wheatley's trichrome staining technique, as the reference technique. In a blind comparison study, 500 collected faecal samples from aboriginal communities were examined. Wintergreen oil was found to be more superior than xylene as a clearing agent in the Wheatley's trichrome staining of polyvinyl alcohol-fixed faecal smears for the identification of intestinal protozoa. Elimination of toxic, carcinogenic, and fire hazards makes Wintergreen oil the preferred choice in routine parasitology examinations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/diagnosis*
  12. Fulltext Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism in rural and remote West Malaysia
    Ngui R, Ishak S, Chuen CS, Mahmud R, Lim YA
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2011;5(3):e974.
    PMID: 21390157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000974
    Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have a worldwide distribution and have been identified as one of the most significant causes of illnesses and diseases among the disadvantaged population. In Malaysia, IPIs still persist in some rural areas, and this study was conducted to determine the current epidemiological status and to identify risk factors associated with IPIs among communities residing in rural and remote areas of West Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
  13. An unceasing problem: soil-transmitted helminthiases in rural Malaysian communities
    Al-Mekhlafi MS, Atiya AS, Lim YA, Mahdy AK, Ariffin WA, Abdullah HC, et al.
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2007 Nov;38(6):998-1007.
    PMID: 18613540
    Despite great development in socioeconomic status throughout 50 years of independence, Malaysia is still plagued with soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH). STH continue to have a significant impact on public health particularly in rural communities. In order to determine the prevalence of STH among rural Orang Asli children and to investigate the possible risk factors affecting the pattern of this prevalence, fecal samples were collected from 292 Orang Asli primary schoolchildren (145 males and 147 females) age 7-12 years, from Pos Betau, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. The samples were examined by Kato-Katz and Harada Mori techniques. Socioeconomic data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. The overall prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm infections were 67.8, 95.5 and 13.4%, respectively. Twenty-nine point eight percent of the children had heavy trichuriasis, while 22.3% had heavy ascariasis. Sixty-seven point seven percent of the children had mixed infections. Age > 10 years (p = 0.016), no toilet in the house (p = 0.012), working mother (p = 0.040), low household income (p = 0.033), and large family size (p = 0.028) were identified as risk factors for ascariasis. Logistic regression confirmed low income, no toilet in the house and working mother as significant risk factors for ascariasis. The prevalence of STH is still very high in rural Malaysian communities. STH may also contribute to other health problems such as micronutrient deficiencies, protein-energy malnutrition and poor educational achievement. Public health personnel need to reassess current control measures and identify innovative and integrated ways in order to reduce STH significantly in rural communities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic*
  14. Prevalence of intestinal parasites among members of the public in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Jamaiah I, Rohela M
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2005 Jan;36(1):68-71.
    PMID: 15906644
    A total of 246 stool samples were collected from the public who participated in a Medical Fair held at the University Malaya Medical Center. The stools were examined for intestinal parasites using the formalin-ether concentration technique. The overall infection rate was 6.9% (17 out of 246), with Trichuris trichiura being the most common parasite (4.5%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%), Clonorchis sinensis (0.8%), hookworm (0.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (0.4%). None of these participants showed any clinical symptoms. The highest infection rate was among the Chinese 7.7% (13 out of 169), followed by the Malays 7.0% (3 out of 43) and Indians 3.3% (1 out of 30). The highest infection rate was in the age group 16-30 years, which was 9% (6 out of 67). The two cases of clonorchiasis were from two Chinese women aged 28 and 66 years. The 28-year-old Chinese woman was born in Malaysia and had never left the country, while the older woman was also born in Malaysia but had visited Hong Kong as a tourist on two occasions. Both enjoyed eating raw fresh water fish with porridge.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
  15. Intestinal parasites in Malaysian children with cancer
    Menon BS, Abdullah MS, Mahamud F, Singh B
    J Trop Pediatr, 1999 Aug;45(4):241-2.
    PMID: 10467838
    In this prospective study, we examined stool specimens from children with cancer receiving chemotherapy who were admitted for fever to the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kota Baru, Kelantan. Stool specimens were examined for ova and cysts of parasites. Over a period of 15 months, there were 129 febrile episodes in 50 children with cancer and, in all, 237 stool specimens were examined. Sixty-six per cent of febrile episodes were associated with neutropenia and 9 per cent were associated with diarrhoea. Stool parasites were found in 42 per cent of children. The most common were helminths, followed by protozoa. Trichuris trichiura was the most common parasite (24 per cent), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (22 per cent). Hookworm was found in 2 per cent. Giardia lamblia was found in 6 per cent of children, Blastocystis hominis in 4 per cent, and Cryptosporidium parvum in 2 per cent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
  16. Fulltext Blastocystis hominis infection, a cause of human diarrhea
    Sinniah B, Rajeswari B
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1994 Sep;25(3):490-3.
    PMID: 7777913
    Blastocystis hominis has long been described as a non pathogenic protozoan parasite until recently when claims have been made that it can result in pathogenic conditions. Of the 729 stool samples (614 from survey and 115 from pediatric wards) examined, 18.1% of them were found to be positive for one or more intestinal protozoan cyst. The commonest was Giardia intestinalis (8.4%) Followed by Entamoeba coli (7.1%) and Entamoeba histolytica (5.1%) in the normal children without symptoms of diarrhea. When diarrheic stools were examined, the commonest parasite encountered was Giardia (20.4%), followed by E. coli (15.9%) and E. histolytica (9.7%). Blastocystis was observed in 4.4% of the children who had diarrhea and 1.1% among the children taken from the normal population in the rural areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
  17. Fulltext Enterobius vermicularis infection among children aged 1-8 years in a rural area in Malaysia
    Norhayati M, Hayati MI, Oothuman P, Azizi O, Fatmah MS, Ismail G, et al.
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1994 Sep;25(3):494-7.
    PMID: 7777914
    The infection rate and relationship of enterobiasis with socio-economic status were determined in children aged 1-8 years, living in a rural area in Malaysia. Of the 178 subjects 40.4% were infected with Enterobius vermicularis. The distribution of enterobiasis among these children were analyzed in relation to age groups and sex. The rate of infection was significantly higher in older children (5-7 years). The association of enterobiasis with other factors studied such as number of persons per house, household income per months and mother's employment status were not significant. The sensitivity of three successive days anal swabs compared to a single swab was found to be statistically significant.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
  18. 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: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/drug therapy*
  19. Epidemiological survey of intestinal parasitic infections in children of Sabah, Malaysia
    Levy J
    Community Med, 1988 Aug;10(3):240-9.
    PMID: 3265369
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
  20. Fulltext Prevalence and distribution of intestinal and blood parasites among Ibans in the Nanga Atoi in the Second Division in Sarawak
    Neo CB, Cheah YK, Chin PW, Tan TV, Wong NC, Yap LM, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 1987 Dec;42(4):294-8.
    PMID: 3454401
    About two-thirds (67.6%) of 142 Ibans (from birth to 90 years of age) from 26 house-holds in a longhouse in Nanga Atoi in the Second Division of Sarawak were infected with intestinal parasites. The more common helmintic infections were hookworms (47.2%) and Trichuris trichiura (43.0%). Intestinal protozoan infections were less common. Single helmintic infections were more common than multiple infections and the commonest type of multiple infections was Trichuris mixed with hookworms. Malaria and filariasis were not reported among these inhabitants surveyed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology*
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links