Prevalence and associated risk factors of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Lower Myanmar

• Published in: Tropical medicine and health 2018-12, Vol.46 (1), p.43-43, Article 43
• Main Authors: Aung, Myo Pa Pa Thet Hnin Htwe, Hino, Akina, Oo, Khine Mar, Win, Kyu Kyu, Maruyama, Haruhiko, Htike, Wah Win, Nagayasu, Eiji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agar plate culture; Age groups; Asymptomatic; Farmers; Feces; Gender; Infections; Molecular assays; Myanmar; Nematodes; Parasitic diseases; Population; Prevalence; Questionnaires; Risk factors; Strongyloides stercoralis; Tropical diseases; Variables
• ISSN: 1348-8945; 1349-4147; 1349-4147
• DOI: 10.1186/s41182-018-0126-5

Strongyloidiasis is prevalent in Southeast Asian regions along with other soil-transmitted helminthiases, but only limited present-day data was available for Myanmar. A prevalence survey for infection was conducted among villagers in rural areas of three townships located in the Lower Myanmar during 2014-2016 by agar plate culture method in combination with specific identification by molecular assays. Risk factors associated with infection were assessed by analyzing questionnaires obtained from study participants. was identified in 40 out of 703 participants (5.7% overall prevalence). The highest prevalence (14.4%) was observed in Htantabin, while other two communities (Thabaung and Thanlyin) had much lower prevalence (2.2 and 2.5%, respectively). Infection was relatively rare (1.2%) in younger generations under 20 years compared to older generations (9.5%). Even in Htantabin, none of the female residents under age 40 (  = 33) had infection. In adult Htantabin residents, those who answered that they do not wear shoes regularly had an elevated risk of infection (odds ratio = 2.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-6.08). This study showed that there is still an on-going transmission of strongyloidiasis in Lower Myanmar. It is highly desirable that the soil should be free of fecal contamination by improving the management of fecal waste. Meanwhile, health education to promote shoe-wearing would be beneficial to reduce the risk of transmission, especially for those who have frequent and intense contact with soil.