Soil-Transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors in three orang asli tribes in peninsular Malaysia

• Published in: Scientific Reports
• Main Author: Anuar T.S.; Salleh F.M.; Moktar N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84894047944&doi=10.1038%2fsrep04101&partnerID=40&md5=e05c644bd4009dae5967e08d610ecbf8

Currently, information on prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among different tribes of Orang Asli (aboriginal) is scarce in Malaysia. The present study is a cross-sectional study aimed at determining the factors associated with the prevalence of STH infections among the Proto-Malay, Negrito and Senoi tribes. Faecal samples were collected from 500 participants and socioeconomic data was collected via pre-tested questionnaire. All samples were processed using formalin-ether sedimentation and Wheatley's trichrome staining. Trichuris trichiura (57%) was the most common STH seen among the participants, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (23.8%) and hookworm (7.4%). Trichuriasis and ascariasis showed an age-dependency relationship; significantly higher rates were observed among Senois who aged <15 years. Likewise, Negritos also showed an age-dependency association with ascariasis affecting mainly the under 15 years old individuals. Multivariate logistic regression model indicated the following predictors of trichuriasis among these communities; being aged <15 years, consuming raw vegetables, belonging to a large household members (≥8) and earning low household income (<RM500). Meanwhile, ascariasis was significantly related to participants being aged <15 years and earning low household income. Two risk factors were found to be associated with hookworm infection; consuming raw vegetables and eating contaminated fresh fruits.