Prevalence and associated risk factors of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infection among Orang Asli communities in Slim River, Perak

Abstract

Entamoeba infection is still widespread in Malaysia’s rural area particularly among Orang Asli communities which usually associated with poverty and lack of sanitation. Due to scarce information on these Entamoeba infections in Slim River, Perak we conducted this study to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors towards this infection. A total of 55 stool samples from voluntary participants with and without symptoms of amoebiasis were collected and examined using PCR technique. PCR analysis showed 16.4% stool samples were detected positive for Entamoeba spp., discriminated as 7.3% that were positive for E. histolytica and 9.1% for E. dispar. No E. moshkovskii was detected at all. Factors such as indiscriminate defecation, improper sewage disposal and not washing hand after playing with soil or gardening showed significant association with E. histolytica infection; while gastrointestinal symptom such as vomiting was associated with E. dispar infection. In conclusion, the study reveals there is still an occurrence of Entamoeba spp. among Orang Asli communities in Slim River, Perak. This implies that good personal and hygiene practices should be enhanced through awareness strategy to control Entamoeba infections in Orang Asli communities in Malaysia.

Home fertilizer teaching module for Aborigine people

“…The Aborigines are unfortunately limited in knowledge of environmental hygiene in which proper waste management is crucial [7]. Previous studies [8]- [10] on Aborigines showed that lack of proper knowledge on environmental hygiene may result in unhygienic behaviors among them. Certain kinds of diseases may erupt from poor environmental hygiene.…”

“…Certain kinds of diseases may erupt from poor environmental hygiene. For instance, previous researchers [9] revealed a possibility of non-communicable diseases endemics, while the risk of contracting entamoeba when proper hygiene is not maintained [10]. Therefore, based on this knowledge deficiency, education is necessary to enlighten the Aborigine people who have limited knowledge about waste management.…”