RESUMO
@#The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in buffaloes from various areas of Sarawak, and to assess current management practices of GI parasites among farmers. Faecal samples were collected from 15 farms and 129 animals, as well as data on farm and animal-based characteristics. A total of 129 faecal samples were examined for GI parasites using a modified McMaster and sedimentation. Association between potential risk factors and the prevalence of GI parasites was investigated using Chi-square statistic. The prevalence of Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, and coccidia were 75.2% (95% CI±7.5), 52.7% (95% CI±8.6) and 48.1% (95% CI±8.6), respectively. Farms which had a grazing area less than 50 acres in size had significantly higher prevalence of strongyles (70.5%, χ² = 8.34, P = 0.004) and paramphistomes (88.6%, χ² = 6.46, P = 0.01) relative to farms with a larger grazing area (43.5% and 68.2%, respectively). Prevalence of strongyles was lower in farms that did not implement a cut- and-carry system (45.6%, χ² = 4.17, P = 0.04) in comparison to those that did (64%). The prevalence of paramphistomes was higher on farms with more than 40 animals (80.6%, χ² = 3.18, P = 0.05) relative to farms with fewer animals. The majority of farmers surveyed (67.9%) showed awareness of GI parasite infection and reported that they recognized the associated symptoms. Most farmers practised deworming, and ivermectin was the most commonly used anthelminthic (60.4%); only 1.9% of farmers used albendazole. Overall this study revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites in buffalo in Sarawak. Although farmers report they are aware of parasitic diseases, further education is still required. This could include how they can successfully implement on-farm changes to reduce the prevalence of GI parasites in their herds.
RESUMO
A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of progressive encephalopathy (PE) and its associated clinical manifestations amongst a cohort of HIV infected children attending the HIV/AIDS clinic of the Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. Neurological and neurobehavioral assessments were performed in 55 children with HIV over a 24-month study period. Parameters assessed were physical and neurological assessments, CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, RNA viral loads and an IQ assessment at four monthly intervals. PE was diagnosed when patient developed at least one of the definitive criteria for PE based on the Consensus of Pediatric Neurology/Psychology Working Group, AIDS Clinical Trial 1996. The incidence of encephalopathy was 18.2% (n = 10) in 2002. All the patients had hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abnormal deep tendon reflexes and five had impairment in brain growth. The CD4 counts and CD4 percentages were more likely to be associated with PE compared to the non-PE group.