Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food

This study was conducted to reassess the risk factors for giardiasis in communities of the Orang Asli (indigenous people) in Pahang, Malaysia. Stool samples were collected from 321 individuals (2-76 years old; 160 males, 161 females). Data were collected via laboratory analysis of faecal samples and...

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Main Authors: Surin, J., Mahdy, M.A., Lim, Y.A., Al-Mekhlafi, H.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: 2008
Subjects:
Online Access:http://eprints.um.edu.my/3362/1/risk_factors_for_endemic_giardiasis-highlighting_the_possible_association_of_contaminated_water_and_food.pdf
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author Surin, J.
Mahdy, M.A.
Lim, Y.A.
Al-Mekhlafi, H.M.
author_facet Surin, J.
Mahdy, M.A.
Lim, Y.A.
Al-Mekhlafi, H.M.
author_sort Surin, J.
collection UM
description This study was conducted to reassess the risk factors for giardiasis in communities of the Orang Asli (indigenous people) in Pahang, Malaysia. Stool samples were collected from 321 individuals (2-76 years old; 160 males, 161 females). Data were collected via laboratory analysis of faecal samples and a pre-tested standard questionnaire. River water samples were tested for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis infection was 23.7. Children 12 years old had the highest infection rate and have been identified as a high risk group (odds ratio (OR) = 6.2, 95 CI 1.5-27.0, P < 0.005). The risk of getting giardiasis also appeared to be significantly associated with drinking piped water (OR = 5.1, 95 CI 0.06-0.7, P < 0.005) and eating raw vegetables (OR = 2.4, 95 CI 0.2-0.6, P < 0.005). In conclusion, sociodemographic factors have always been associated with the high prevalence of Giardia infections in Malaysia. However, the present study also highlights the need to look into the possibility of other risks such as water and food transmission routes. In future, it is necessary that these two aspects be considered in control strategies.
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spelling um.eprints-33622012-06-21T01:02:55Z http://eprints.um.edu.my/3362/ Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food Surin, J. Mahdy, M.A. Lim, Y.A. Al-Mekhlafi, H.M. R Medicine This study was conducted to reassess the risk factors for giardiasis in communities of the Orang Asli (indigenous people) in Pahang, Malaysia. Stool samples were collected from 321 individuals (2-76 years old; 160 males, 161 females). Data were collected via laboratory analysis of faecal samples and a pre-tested standard questionnaire. River water samples were tested for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis infection was 23.7. Children 12 years old had the highest infection rate and have been identified as a high risk group (odds ratio (OR) = 6.2, 95 CI 1.5-27.0, P < 0.005). The risk of getting giardiasis also appeared to be significantly associated with drinking piped water (OR = 5.1, 95 CI 0.06-0.7, P < 0.005) and eating raw vegetables (OR = 2.4, 95 CI 0.2-0.6, P < 0.005). In conclusion, sociodemographic factors have always been associated with the high prevalence of Giardia infections in Malaysia. However, the present study also highlights the need to look into the possibility of other risks such as water and food transmission routes. In future, it is necessary that these two aspects be considered in control strategies. 2008 Article PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://eprints.um.edu.my/3362/1/risk_factors_for_endemic_giardiasis-highlighting_the_possible_association_of_contaminated_water_and_food.pdf Surin, J. and Mahdy, M.A. and Lim, Y.A. and Al-Mekhlafi, H.M. (2008) Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 79 (6). p. 81. ISSN 0002-9637,
spellingShingle R Medicine
Surin, J.
Mahdy, M.A.
Lim, Y.A.
Al-Mekhlafi, H.M.
Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food
title Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food
title_full Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food
title_fullStr Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food
title_full_unstemmed Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food
title_short Risk factors for endemic giardiasis - association with contaminated water and food
title_sort risk factors for endemic giardiasis association with contaminated water and food
topic R Medicine
url http://eprints.um.edu.my/3362/1/risk_factors_for_endemic_giardiasis-highlighting_the_possible_association_of_contaminated_water_and_food.pdf
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