Burden of Giardia duodenalis infection and its adverse effects on growth of schoolchildren in rural Malaysia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Giardia duodenalis infection and malnutrition are still considered as public health problems in many developing countries especially among children in rural communities. This study was carried out among Aboriginal (Orang Asli) primary schoolchildren in rural peninsular Malaysia to investigate the burden and the effects of Giardia infection on growth (weight and height) of the children.

Methods/findings

Weight and height of 374 children aged 7-12 years were assessed before and after treatment of Giardia infection. The children were screened for Giardia parasite using trichrome staining technique. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 22.2% (83/374) of the children were found to be in

SUBMITTER: Al-Mekhlafi HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3814875 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature