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Intestinal parasites in Malaysian children with cancer
B S Menon1, M S Abdullah, F Mahamud
1Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. bina@kb.usm.my
Insights
Parasitic infections are common in children with cancer experiencing fever. This study found helminths and protozoa in 42% of pediatric cancer patients, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Oncology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy are immunocompromised, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Febrile episodes in these patients necessitate thorough investigation to identify underlying causes.
- Gastrointestinal infections, including parasitic infestations, can complicate cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in febrile children with cancer.
- To identify specific types of parasites affecting this vulnerable pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital.
- Stool specimens were collected from 50 children with cancer admitted for fever over 15 months.
- Microscopic examination of 237 stool samples for ova and cysts of parasites.
Main Results:
- Parasites were detected in 42% of the pediatric cancer patients.
- Helminths were the most prevalent group, followed by protozoa.
- Key identified parasites included Trichuris trichiura (24%), Ascaris lumbricoides (22%), Giardia lamblia (6%), and Blastocystis hominis (4%).
Conclusions:
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant concern in febrile children with cancer.
- Routine stool examination for parasites should be considered in the management of these patients.
- Findings underscore the importance of parasitic infection surveillance in immunocompromised pediatric populations.
Abstract:
In this prospective study, we examined stool specimens from children with cancer receiving chemotherapy who were admitted for fever to the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kota Baru, Kelantan. Stool specimens were examined for ova and cysts of parasites. Over a period of 15 months, there were 129 febrile episodes in 50 children with cancer and, in all, 237 stool specimens were examined. Sixty-six per cent of febrile episodes were associated with neutropenia and 9 per cent were associated with diarrhoea. Stool parasites were found in 42 per cent of children. The most common were helminths, followed by protozoa. Trichuris trichiura was the most common parasite (24 per cent), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (22 per cent). Hookworm was found in 2 per cent. Giardia lamblia was found in 6 per cent of children, Blastocystis hominis in 4 per cent, and Cryptosporidium parvum in 2 per cent.