Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 272 in total

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  1. Fulltext Seroprevalence of dengue among healthy adults in a rural community in Southern Malaysia: a pilot study
    Dhanoa A, Hassan SS, Jahan NK, Reidpath DD, Fatt QK, Ahmad MP, et al.
    Infect Dis Poverty, 2018 Jan 16;7(1):1.
    PMID: 29335021 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0384-1
    BACKGROUND: The frequency and magnitude of dengue epidemics continue to increase exponentially in Malaysia, with a shift in the age range predominance toward adults and an expansion to rural areas. Despite this, information pertaining to the extent of transmission of dengue virus (DENV) in the rural community is lacking. This community-based pilot study was conducted to establish DENV seroprevalence amongst healthy adults in a rural district in Southern Malaysia, and to identify influencing factors.

    METHODS: In this study undertaken between April and May 2015, a total of 277 adult participants were recruited from households across three localities in the Sungai Segamat subdistrict in Segamat district. Sera were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Panbio® Dengue Indirect IgG ELISA/high-titer capture) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) (Panbio®) antibodies. The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was conducted on random samples of IgG-positive sera for further confirmation. Medical history and a recall of previous history of dengue were collected through interviews, whereas sociodemographic information was obtained from an existing database.

    RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence for DENV infection was 86.6% (240/277) (95% CI: 83-91%). Serological evidence of recent infection (IgM/high-titer capture IgG) was noted in 11.2% (31/277) of participants, whereas there was evidence of past infection in 75.5% (209/277) of participants (indirect IgG minus recent infections). The PRNT assay showed that the detected antibodies were indeed specific to DENV. The multivariate analysis showed that the older age group was significantly associated with past DENV infections. Seropositivity increased with age; 48.5% in the age group of <25 years to more than 85% in age group of >45 years (P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies*
  2. Fulltext Comparative study on Toxoplasma infection between Malaysian and Myanmar pregnant women
    Andiappan H, Nissapatorn V, Sawangjaroen N, Nyunt MH, Lau YL, Khaing SL, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2014;7:564.
    PMID: 25498432 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0564-9
    Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, causes a disease called toxoplasmosis which can sometimes be acquired congenitally by a newborn from an infected mother. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and its associated risks among 219 and 215 pregnant women from Malaysia and Myanmar, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  3. Fulltext Epidemiology of dengue disease in Malaysia (2000-2012): a systematic literature review
    Mohd-Zaki AH, Brett J, Ismail E, L'Azou M
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2014;8(11):e3159.
    PMID: 25375211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003159
    A literature survey and analysis was conducted to describe the epidemiology of dengue disease in Malaysia between 2000 and 2012. Published literature was searched for epidemiological studies of dengue disease, using specific search strategies for each electronic database; 237 relevant data sources were identified, 28 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The epidemiology of dengue disease in Malaysia was characterized by a non-linear increase in the number of reported cases from 7,103 in 2000 to 46,171 in 2010, and a shift in the age range predominance from children toward adults. The overall increase in dengue disease was accompanied by a rise in the number, but not the proportion, of severe cases. The dominant circulating dengue virus serotypes changed continually over the decade and differed between states. Several gaps in epidemiological knowledge were identified; in particular, studies of regional differences, age-stratified seroprevalence, and hospital admissions.

    PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO #CRD42012002293.

    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  4. The prevalence and distribution of Brucella melitensis in goats in Malaysia from 2000 to 2009
    Bamaiyi PH, Hassan L, Khairani-Bejo S, ZainalAbidin M, Ramlan M, Adzhar A, et al.
    Prev Vet Med, 2015 May 1;119(3-4):232-6.
    PMID: 25746928 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.02.001
    A study was conducted to describe the prevalence and distribution of zoonotic Brucella melitensis in goats in Peninsular Malaysia. Using serosurveillance data of the last decade (2000-2009) involving 119,799 goats and 3555 farms, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among goats was 0.91% (95% CI=0.86-0.96) and among farms was 7.09% (95% CI=6.27-7.98). The odds of brucellosis was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the later part of the decade, in larger herd size and among the states located in the peninsula as compared to eastern Malaysia. The infection was detected throughout Malaysia but at generally low seroprevalences with states like Perlis that border neighbouring countries having higher seroprevalence of brucellosis than other non-border states.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  5. Seroepidemiology of dengue virus infection in the adult population in tropical Singapore
    Ang LW, Cutter J, James L, Goh KT
    Epidemiol Infect, 2015 Jun;143(8):1585-93.
    PMID: 25245094 DOI: 10.1017/S0950268814002507
    To assess the impact of past dengue epidemics in Singapore, we undertook a national seroepidemiological study to determine the prevalence of past dengue virus (DENV) infection in the adult population in 2010 and make comparisons with the seroprevalence in 2004. The study involved residual sera from 3293 adults aged 18-79 years who participated in a national health survey in 2010. The overall prevalence of anti-DENV IgG antibodies was 56·8% (95% confidence interval 55·1-58·5) in 2010. The seroprevalence increased significantly with age. Males had significantly higher seroprevalence than females (61·5% vs. 53·2%). Among the three major ethnic groups, Malays had the lowest seroprevalence (50·2%) compared to Chinese (57·0%) and Indians (62·0%). The age-standardized seroprevalence in adults was significantly lower in 2010 (54·4%) compared to 2004 (63·1%). Older age, male gender, Indian ethnicity, permanent residency and being home-bound were independent risk factors significantly associated with seropositivity. About 43% of the Singapore adult resident population remain susceptible to DENV infection as a result of the successful implementation of a comprehensive nationwide Aedes surveillance and control programme since the 1970s. Vector suppression and concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the community remain the key strategy in the prevention and control of dengue.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  6. Fulltext A case-control study of risk factors for bovine brucellosis seropositivity in Peninsular Malaysia
    Anka MS, Hassan L, Khairani-Bejo S, Zainal MA, Mohamad RB, Salleh A, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(9):e108673.
    PMID: 25265020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108673
    Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conducted in the country revealed that the disease was widespread. Current knowledge on the potential risk factors for brucellosis occurrence on cattle farms in Malaysia is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to identify the potential herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis occurrence in four states in the country, namely Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Thirty-five cases and 36 controls of herds were selected where data on farm management, biosecurity, medical history and public health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified that Brucella seropositive herds were more likely to; have some interaction with wildlife (OR 8.9, 95% CI = 1.59-50.05); originated from farms where multiple species such as buffalo/others (OR 41.8, 95% CI = 3.94-443.19) and goat/sheep (OR 8.9, 95%Cl = 1.10-71.83) were reared, practice extensive production system (OR 13.6, 95% CI 1.31-140.24) and have had episodes of abortion in the past (OR 51.8, 95% CI = 4.54-590.90) when compared to seronegative herds. Considering the lack of information on the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in peninsular Malaysia and absence of information on preventing the inception or spread of the disease, this report could contribute to the on-going area-wise national brucellosis eradication program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  7. Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors in a teaching hospital in northeastern Malaysia
    Haslina MN, Khairiah Y, Zainy DZ, Shafini MY, Rosnah B, Marini R
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2012 May;43(3):668-73.
    PMID: 23077846
    The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV infection and the signal/cutoff (S/CO) value for false reactive, false positive, indeterminate and true positive HCV infection among apparently healthy blood donors in our area. This retrospective study was conducted at the Transfusion Medicine Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from June 2008 to June 2009. Blood samples were screened for anti-HCV using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Reactive cases were confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). Sixty-one blood donors were found to be reactive after the first screening test. Twenty-nine blood donors had reactive repeat screening, with only 9 samples being true positives. The S/ CO for false reactive, false positive, indeterminate and true positive anti-HCV samples were 1.02 to 1.45, 1.01 to 2.09, 1.07 to 2.43 and 35.95 to 119.89, respectively. The analysis showed the low incidence of HCV infections among blood donors in our area, however, thorough donor screening and stringent selection criteria are still recommended to eliminate high risk donors to improve our blood transfusion service.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  8. Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women and associated role in obstetric complications: a preliminary study
    Saraswathy TS, Az-Ulhusna A, Asshikin RN, Suriani S, Zainah S
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2011 Mar;42(2):320-2.
    PMID: 21710852
    The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections through antenatal screening data and the association of this virus with obstetric complications. Serum samples from 125 apparently healthy pregnant women sent for antenatal screening from various hospitals in Malaysia between January 2007 and December 2008, were examined for CMV specific IgM and IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Of the 125 pregnant women tested, anti-CMV IgG antibody was found in 105 (84%) of the cases and anti-CMV IgM in 9 cases (7.2%). Both CMV IgM and IgG were also found in another 37 women whose serum samples were sent for investigation of various obstetric complications: 17 cases of spontaneous abortions, 15 cases of fetal anomalies detected during ultrasound examination, 1 case of incomplete abortion, 3 cases with premature delivery of infant with congenital anomalies and 1 case of infertility. Our preliminary data which only represented a small study group has shown the prevalence of CMV infection among the local population and the association of CMV in obstetric complications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  9. Fulltext Seroprevalence survey of Chikungunya virus in Bagan Panchor, Malaysia
    Ayu SM, Lai LR, Chan YF, Hatim A, Hairi NN, Ayob A, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2010 Dec;83(6):1245-8.
    PMID: 21118929 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.10-0279
    In 2006, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) of the Asian genotype affected over 200 people in Bagan Panchor village in Malaysia. One year later, a post-outbreak survey was performed to determine attack rate, asymptomatic rate, and post-infection sequelae. Findings were compared with recent CHIKV outbreaks of the Central/East African genotype. A total of 180 residents were interviewed for acute symptoms and post-infection physical quality of life and depressive symptoms. Sera from 72 residents were tested for CHIKV neutralizing antibodies. The estimated attack rate was 55.6%, and 17.5% of infected residents were asymptomatic. Arthralgia was reported up to 3 months after infection, but there were no reports of long-term functional dependence or depression. Symptomatic and seropositive residents were significantly more likely to live in the area with the most dense housing and commercial activities. CHIKV had a high attack rate and considerable clinical impact during the Bagan Panchor outbreak.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  10. Further observations in an area with an exceptionally low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection
    Raj SM, Lee YY, Choo KE, Noorizan AM, Zulkifli A, Radzi M, et al.
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2008 Nov;102(11):1163-4.
    PMID: 18678380 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.06.015
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  11. Changing epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori in Asia
    Tan HJ, Goh KL
    J Dig Dis, 2008 Nov;9(4):186-9.
    PMID: 18959588 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2008.00344.x
    As in developed societies, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori has declined rapidly in Asia. This has been shown in both seroprevalence-based and endoscopy-based studies. While the decline in the incidence of gastric cancer has now been observed, a decrease in peptic ulcer disease has not been so clearly evident. This apparent paradox can be explained by an increase in non-H. pylori associated ulcers - such as those related to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or idiopathic ulcers. The increase of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia has been widely observed and commented on and its relationship to the decline in H. pylori speculated upon. However there have been few conclusive studies from Asia on this subject. While the improved diagnosis and elimination of H. pylori has contributed to its decline, a more basic change involving large segments of the Asian population must be responsible. An improvement in hygiene and living conditions that results from more affluent Asian societies is thought to be a possible cause.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  12. The prevalence of human cytomegalovirus seropositivity among blood donors at the Unit of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
    Ahmed SA, Al-Joudi FS, Zaidah AW, Roshan TM, Rapiaah M, Abdullah YM, et al.
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Mar;37(2):294-6.
    PMID: 17124989
    Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a species-specific DNA virus of the Herpetoviridae family. After a primary infection, HCMV persists in a latent form most probably in bone marrow progenitor cells or in peripheral blood monocytes. The virus can reactivate to result in shedding of the virus leading to virus dissemination and new infections. Immunocompromized patients are the ones most vulnerable to serious diseases occasionally acquired in blood transfusions. In a human population, HCMV seropositivity increases steadily with age to become approximately 100% in adults. This study was performed to detect seropositivity among regular blood donors in The Hospital of the Universiti Sains Malaysia, in the state of Kelantan. Using an enzyme immunoassay, it was found that 97.6% of blood donors were HCMV-positive. HCMV is highly prevalent and may be endemic in Kelantan. Hence, long-term strategies are required for the reduction of disease dissemination, and to prevent the exposure of immunocompromized patients to the virus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  13. Thoughts about populations with unexpected low prevalences of Helicobacter pylori infection
    Graham DY, Yamaoka Y, Malaty HM
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2007 Sep;101(9):849-51.
    PMID: 17658569
    Helicobacter pylori is one of the few remaining major pathogens that accompanied humans on their travels from Africa. A recently published study reports the unexpected finding of a low H. pylori prevalence among pregnant women in Zanzibar (Farag, T.H., Stolzfus, R.J., Khalfan, S.S., Tielsch, J.M., 2007. Unexpectedly low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among pregnant women on Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Trans. R. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. 101). The apparent epidemiology of higher prevalence with higher socioeconomic status and decrease with age are unprecedented. As with many 'unexpected' events, a search of the literature reveals evidence of low prevalence populations in Java and Malaysia, with clues dating back to the mid-twentieth century. Why some populations apparently lost H. pylori infection remains an open question. However, the tools needed to resolve the dilemma are readily available and we hope investigators will soon rise to the challenge.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  14. Fulltext Seroprevalence of cysticercosis in a rural village of Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
    Noor Azian MY, Hakim SL, Sumiati A, Norhafizah M
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):58-61.
    PMID: 16771213
    The objective of this study was to determine exposure to cysticercosis among a rural population in a selected village in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 135 serum samples were analyzed. The result showed that the seroprevalence of cysticercosis antibodies was 2.2%. There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence among age groups (p=0.307). Even though there was a slightly higher antibody titer in males compared to females, the difference was not significant (p=0.400). The results indicate evidence of exposure to cysticercosis in this rural population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  15. Fulltext A hospital-based study on seroprevalence of leptospirosis among febrile cases in northeastern Malaysia
    Rafizah AA, Aziah BD, Azwany YN, Imran MK, Rusli AM, Nazri SM, et al.
    Int J Infect Dis, 2013 Jun;17(6):e394-7.
    PMID: 23357246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2012.12.012
    To determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among febrile inpatient cases in northeastern Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  16. Fulltext Seroprevalence of Malassezia furfur in an urban population in Malaysia
    Chua KB, Devi S, Hooi PS, Chong KH, Phua KL, Mak JW
    Malays J Pathol, 2003 Jun;25(1):49-56.
    PMID: 16196378
    An in-house prepared M. furfur antigen was used to carry out a seroprevalence study in an urban population in Malaysia by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Of the 800 serum samples from all ages screened, 738 samples were positive for M. furfur specific IgG, giving an overall seropositive rate of 92.3%. There was no significant difference in the seropositive rates among the different gender group and races. However, there was a statistical significant difference in the seropositive rate among different age groups with a lower rate (73%) for the age group 5 years old and below, which increased rapidly to 99% for the 16 to 20 years old age group but declined slightly for the oldest age group. The degree of seropositivity, which semi-quantitatively reflect the anti-M. furfur specific IgG titre, did not show any significant difference among the gender and racial groups. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in the degree of seropositivity among the various age groups, with the 16 to 20 years old age group having the highest antibody titre and the extreme of age groups having the lower antibody titre.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  17. SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN RODENTS FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
    Normaznah Y, Azizah MA, Azuan MI, Latifah I, Rahmat S, Nasir MA
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2015 May;46(3):388-95.
    PMID: 26521512
    Numerous studies have reported the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among Malaysians and various domestic animals; but there is paucity of information on its prevalence among rodents which could potentially contribute to the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in both domestic and sylvatic fauna. Five hundred twenty-six rodents were captured from six locations in Malaysia and identified to species. Serum samples were collected from these rodents and tested for T.gondii antibodies using an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). T.gondii antibodies were found in 5.9% (31/526) of the tested samples. Most of the positive antibodies were from commensal rats: Rattus exulans (9/64, 14.0%), Rattus argentiventer (2/8, 25%), Rattus rattus diardii (10/166, 6.0%) and Rattus tiomanicus (6/215, 2.7%). Only two of the forest rats were positive: Maxomys rajah (1/9, 11.1%) and Rattus bowersi (1/12, 8.3%). Eighteen point one percent of ground squirrels (Tupaia glis) tested (2/11) were positive for antibodies. The highest antibodies titer (1:1024) was found in Rattus exulans followed by T.glis (1:256). Sabak Bernam, Selangor had the highest prevalence (10.8%) followed by Baling, Kedah (5.0%) and Bagan Terap, Selangor (4.0%). None of the serum samples of rodents collected from Gua Musang, Kelantan; Jasin, Malacca; or Labis, Johor were positive. Our study reports for the first time the serologic prevalence of T.gondii antibodies among rodents in Peninsular Malaysia. Further studies are needed to confirm T.gondii infection among wild rodents, such as a bioassay, to assess their potential role in transmission of the parasite.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  18. Fulltext Risk Factors for Enterovirus A71 Seropositivity in Rural Indigenous Populations in West Malaysia
    NikNadia N, Sam IC, Khaidir N, Ngui R, Lim YA, Goh XT, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(2):e0148767.
    PMID: 26866912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148767
    Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), which is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, causes hand, foot and mouth disease and, rarely, severe neurological complications. In Malaysia, the indigenous rural community (Orang Asli) has a high prevalence of parasitic diseases due to poor sanitation, water supply and hygiene practices. This cross-sectional study compared the seroepidemiology of EV-A71 among rural Orang Asli and urban Kuala Lumpur populations in West Malaysia, and determined the risk factors associated with EV-A71 seropositivity in rural Orang Asli. Seropositive rates were determined by neutralization assay. EV-A71 seropositivity was strongly associated with increasing age in both populations. Rural Orang Asli children ≤12 years had significantly higher EV-A71 seropositivity rates than urban Kuala Lumpur children (95.5% vs 57.6%, P < 0.001), and also higher rates in the age groups of 1-3, 4-6 and 7-12 years. Multivariate analysis confirmed that age ≤12 years (adjusted OR 8.1, 95% CI 3.2-20.7, P < 0.001) and using untreated water (adjusted OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.3-16.6, P < 0.001) were independently associated with EV-A71 seropositivity in the Orang Asli population. Supply of clean drinking water may reduce the risk of EV-A71 infection. With significantly higher EV-A71 seropositive rates, younger rural children should be a priority target for future vaccination programs in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  19. Evidence and potential risk factors of tuberculosis among captive Asian elephants and wildlife staff in Peninsular Malaysia
    Yakubu Y, Ong BL, Zakaria Z, Hassan L, Mutalib AR, Ngeow YF, et al.
    Prev Vet Med, 2016 Mar 1;125:147-53.
    PMID: 26775804 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.01.008
    Elephant tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important re-emerging zoonosis with considerable conservation and public health risk. We conducted prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies in elephants and wildlife staff respectively in order to identify potential risk factors associated with TB in captive Asian elephants and their handlers in Peninsular Malaysia. Sixty elephants in six different facilities were screened for TB longitudinally using the ElephantTB STAT-PAK and DPP VetTB assays from February 2012 to May 2014, and 149 wildlife staff were examined for tuberculosis infection using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT) assay from January to April, 2012. Information on potential risk factors associated with infection in both elephants and staff were collected using questionnaires and facility records. The overall seroprevalence of TB amongst the elephants was 23.3% (95% CI: 13.8-36.3) and the risk of seroconversion was significantly higher among elephants with assigned mahouts [p=0.022, OR=4.9 (95% CI: 1.3-18.2)]. The percentage of QFT responders among wildlife staff was 24.8% (95% CI: 18.3-32.7) and the risk of infection was observed to be significantly associated with being a zoo employee [p=0.018, OR=2.7 (95% CI: 1.2-6.3)] or elephant handler [p=0.035, OR=4.1 (95% CI: 1.1-15.5)]. These findings revealed a potential risk of TB infection in captive elephants and handlers in Malaysia, and emphasize the need for TB screening of newly acquired elephants, isolating sero-positive elephants and performing further diagnostic tests to determine their infection status, and screening elephant handlers for TB, pre- and post-employment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
  20. Fulltext Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasmosis among People Having Close Contact with Animals
    Brandon-Mong GJ, Che Mat Seri NA, Sharma RS, Andiappan H, Tan TC, Lim YA, et al.
    Front Immunol, 2015;6:143.
    PMID: 25972863 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00143
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection and its risk association among people having close contact with animals. A total of 312 blood samples were collected from veterinary personnel (veterinarian, technicians, and students) and pet owners from veterinary clinics and hospitals in the area of Klang Valley, Malaysia. About 4 cc of blood samples drawn from agreed participants were processed for measurement of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies as well as avidity test of Toxoplasma IgG by ELISA I, II, and III kits. Meanwhile, the demographic profiles and possible risk factors of these participants were also recorded in the standardized data collection sheets. Overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was observed in 62 (19.9%) participants being 7 (18.4%) in veterinarians, 15 (33.3%) in veterinary technicians, 29 (14.9%) in veterinary students, and 11 (31.4%) in pet owners. Of 19.9% Toxoplasma seropositive samples, 18.3% was positive for IgG antibody, 1.0% for IgM antibody, and 0.6% for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Of three different IgG avidity ELISA kits, ELISA III showed high avidity in all five seropositive samples (IgM and IgG/IgM antibodies) indicating chronic Toxoplasma infection which is consistent with no evidence of clinical toxoplasmosis diagnosed during the time of this study. Univariate analysis showed that age group, gender, study population, gardening, task performance, and working duration were significantly associated with Toxoplasma seropositivity. Further analysis by multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed that age group of ≥30 years old (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.18-0.63, p = 0.001) and working or study duration of >10 years having close contact with animals (OR = 5.07, 95% CI = 1.80-14.24, p = 0.002) were identified as significant risks for Toxoplasma infection. Based on the results obtained, a comprehensive Toxoplasma screening and health surveillance program on toxoplasmosis should be implemented among people having close contact with animals in general and confirmed Toxoplasma seronegative individuals in particular to prevent seroconversion.
    Matched MeSH terms: Seroepidemiologic Studies
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