Open AccessExtremely low prevalence in soil-transmitted helminth infections among a multi-ethnic community in Segamat, Malaysia
Author(s) -
Li Wen Wong,
Kuan Shion Ong,
Calvin Bok Sun Goh,
Jacky Dwiyanto,
Daniel D. Reidpath,
Shaun Wen Huey Lee,
Qasim Ayub,
Sadequr Rahman,
Sui Mae Lee
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of parasitic diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.357
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 0975-0703
pISSN - 0971-7196
DOI - 10.1007/s12639-020-01334-1
Subject(s) - helminth infections , environmental health , geography , helminths , population , ethnic group , socioeconomics , medicine , immunology , sociology , anthropology
Soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHs) are recognized as a major health issue among socio-economically deprived communities. However, information is still lacking regarding the prevalence rates of STHs in the broader community across different countries in the tropics. This community study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for STHs in semi-rural communities in Segamat of Johor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with information collected from the study population through questionnaire. A total of 224 stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites through formalin-ether concentration and Kato-Katz techniques. Overall, only 1.8% (n = 4/224) of participants were infected with soil-transmitted helminths, the extremely low prevalence may be explained by the proper housing conditions with basic amenities and the practices of hygienic habits in daily life, highlighting the importance of adopting good hygienic practices.