Dr.Mehru Nisha
University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Title: Determining the pattern of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among Orang Asli at Kg. Serendah, Selangor, Malaysia using molecular and parasitological methods
Biography
Biography: Dr.Mehru Nisha
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections have a global distribution and a major impact on the socioeconomic and public health of the world’s poorest people. In Malaysia, the Orang Asli community is prone to these infections due to environmental and personal hygiene practices. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of GIP and potential risk factors for infection among the Orang Asli community at Kg. Serendah in Malaysia. Stool samples were collected from 110 villagers. Both microscopy and molecular methods were used to identify the parasites in stool. All the participants in the survey were treated as follows: 400 mg of albendazole for above 2 years old and 200 mg of albendazole for ≤2 years old. After deworming exercise, the villagers were examined at 1 and 6 months post treatment. The prevalence for GIP found in this study was 67% and the parasites detected were Trichuris trichiura (50%), Ascaris lumbricoides (39%), Blastocystis hominis (10%), Cryptosporidium parvum (7.2%), Taenia spp., (2.7%) and Microsporidia (2.7%). Higher GIP prevalence was observed among children below 6 years compared to the adults. Multivariate analysis showed that not using the toilet and drinking non boiled water was predictive of GIP infection in this study area. Overall cure rate post treatment for A. lumbricoides was higher than T. trichiura. In summary, combination of infrastructure development particularly with reference to sanitary sewage systems and portable water supply, coupled with poverty eradication programs and increase in health awareness and access to medical care the prevalence of intestinal parasites can be controlled.