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Prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis infection among underprivileged communities in rural Malaysia

Nabilah Amelia Mohammad1, Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi2, Norhayati Moktar3

  • 1Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
|June 26, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Blastocystis infection remains common in rural Malaysian communities, affecting 40.7% of individuals. Key risk factors include being older than 15 and having infected family members, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite.
  • Prevalence and risk factors in underprivileged rural populations require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Blastocystis.
  • To identify risk factors for Blastocystis infection in rural Malaysian communities.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 253 participants (aged 1-85).
  • Stool sample analysis via in-vitro cultivation and microscopy.
  • Demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental data collected via questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • Overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 40.7%.
  • Significant risk factors identified: age ≥15 years (OR=2.72) and presence of infected family members (OR=8.56).

Conclusions:

  • Blastocystosis is highly prevalent in Malaysian Orang Asli communities.
  • Public health strategies should include family member screening and treatment.
  • Health education on hygiene is crucial to reduce transmission and morbidity.
Keywords:
BlastocystisMalaysiaPrevalenceRisk factors

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