Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal helminth infection among rural Malay children

Abstract

Background:Soil-transmitted intestinal helminth infection is prevalent in rural communities of Malaysia. Risk factors contributing to helminth infections are largely unknown in the country.Aim:To determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal helminth infections among children in Beris Lalang, a rural Muslim community of Malaysia.Settings and DesignIn this cross-sectional study, children aged 7-9 years were recruited during the mass Friday prayer at Beris Lalang mosque by trained imams (religious leaders). A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic profile, daily hygienic practices, and history of helminth infection.Results:Out of 79 samples, 29 (37%) were positive for helminthic ova, of which 24 were ova of Trichuris trichiura. Poor education of the mother (primary education or less) (P=0.015), eating raw salad (P=0.03), and no physical activities (P=0.03) were found independent risk factors for the child's helminth infections in univariate analysis. A higher proportion of children with helminth infections complained of tiredness and fatigue compared to those without such infections (36% vs. 12%, P=0.019). In a multivariate analysis of predictors of helminth infection, poor education of the mother (P=0.02) and eating raw salad (P=0.04) remained statistically significant, after controlling for several other potential risk factors.ConclusionsT. trichiura was the most prevalent intestinal helminth infection in children in rural Malaysia. Risk factors of helminth infection included mother's poor education and eating raw salad and vegetables.

Molecular characterization of nodule worm in a community of Bornean primates

“…Strongyle‐like eggs are often assigned to hookworm eggs in areas where the latter represent an infection of public health concern. Hookworm has been reported in surveys looking at helminthiases infecting children in rural areas and indigenous communities in West and East Malaysia (Anuar, Salleh, & Moktar, ; Huat et al, ; Mohd‐Shaharuddin, Lim, Hassan, Nathan, & Ngui, ; Rajoo et al, ), but they are often not assigned to parasite species (but see Ngui, Lim, Traub, Mahmud, & Mistam, , Sahimin et al, ). Surveys targeting human populations living in close proximity to nonhuman primates would go a long way toward exploring that possibility.…”

Human intestinal helminth contamination in pre-washed, fresh vegetables for sale in major markets in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria

“…They are rich in vitamins, dietary fibre and minerals whose regular consumption has been associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, stroke and certain cancers (Van Duyn & Pivonka, 2000). However, their consumption in the raw state, wholly or in dishes such as salads, without adequate washing, disinfection, or cooking is an important risk factor for the transmission of intestinal helminthiasis (Anuar, Salleh, & Moktar, 2014;Huat et al, 2012;Orlandi, Chu, Bier, & Jackson, 2002).…”

Prevalence of parasites in working pig‐tailed Macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in Kelantan, Malaysia

“…Therefore, the parasites that associated with these macaques are largely determined by the environment they share with humans. According to several studies on human helminthiasis in Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia, from year 1997‐2012, the overall prevalence of this disease is ranged from 37% to 77% , with the two most recent reports showing that Trichuris sp. is the most prevalent species.…”