Risk factors for endemic giardiasis: highlighting the possible association of contaminated water and food

Mahdy, A.K.M. and Lim, Y.A.L. and Surin, J. and Wan, K.L. and Al-Mekhlafi, M.S.H. (2008) Risk factors for endemic giardiasis: highlighting the possible association of contaminated water and food. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 102 (5). pp. 465-470. ISSN 0035-9203, DOI 18377940.

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Abstract

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 mates, 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 took 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. (C) 2008 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Article
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Additional Information:	Mahdy, A. K. Mohammed Lim, Y. A. L. Surin, Johari Wan, K. L. Al-Mekhlafi, M. S. Hesham Meeting of the Royal-Society-of-Tropical-Medicine-and-Hygiene 2007 London, ENGLAND Royal Soc Trop Med Hygiene
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Adolescent Adult Aged Analysis of Variance Animals Child Child, Preschool Diarrhea/*parasitology/prevention & control Feces/*parasitology Female Giardia lamblia/isolation & purification Giardiasis/*etiology/prevention & control/transmission Humans Hygiene/standards Malaysia Male Middle Aged Rural Health Socioeconomic Factors Water/parasitology *Water Supply
Subjects:	R Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms Johana Johari
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2012 04:10
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2012 04:10
URI:	http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/4126

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