Seroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis in blood samples diagnosed in Medic Medical Center Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2012

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the global effort against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), developing countries with middle to low income are still burdened by them. Vietnam has been undergoing substantial economic growth and urbanization, but underprivileged people living in rural and suburban areas are still having little access to public health infrastructure and proper sanitation. Hitherto, limited information is available for seroprevalence and risk factors of several parasitic diseases in Vietnam.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on diagnostic results of Fasciola spp., Toxocara spp., Strongyloides stercoralis and Taenia solium IgG ELISA tests from Medic Medical Center Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City in 2012. The data were first stratified before statistical analyses were performed. Seroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis was determined and the age and gender risk factors were evaluated.ResultsSeroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis was 5.9 % (590/10,084; 95 % CI: 5.44–6.36), 45.2 % (34,995/77,356; 95 % CI: 44.85–45.55), 7.4 % (3,174/42,920; 95 % CI: 7.15–7.65) and 4.9 % (713/14,601; 95 % CI: 4.55–5.25), respectively. Co-exposure to multiple parasites was detected in 890 males (45.7 %; 95 % CI: 43.49–47.91) and 1,059 females (54.3 %; 95 % CI: 52.09–56.51). Social structure and differences in behavioural factors caused the gender factor to have a significant effect on the prevalence of all the diseases, while the seropositivity for fascioliasis and strongyloidiasis were age group-related.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis in the blood samples diagnosed in Medic Medical Center Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City, in year 2012 were comparatively high. The Vietnamese customs and cultures, dietary habits and agricultural practices exposed them to high risk of contracting NTDs. Despite the possibility of false positive results due to antigenic cross-reactions, detection of IgG antibodies remains as a reliable method in sero-epidemiological study as it is non-invasive and demonstrates previous exposure of individuals to the parasites. Besides the implementation of strategies to control these diseases, epidemiological analysis and surveillance of diseases should also be continually strengthened to monitor the effectiveness of regimens and interventions.

Diagnostic performance of urinary IgG antibody detection: A novel approach for population screening of strongyloidiasis

“…This result is in concordance with the report from Luvira and coworkers [ 48 ]. In contrast to our results, [ 49 – 51 ] there have been reported correlations between antibody levels and age, sex or lpg. This discrepancy maybe due to the insufficient numbers of samples examined in our study or due to the restricted range of sampling in the endemic area.…”

Human Strongyloidiasis in Hawaii: A Retrospective Review of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Serodiagnostic Testing

“…For example, ELISA-based testing samples from a reference laboratory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, revealed that roughly half of individuals had been exposed to more than one parasite. 22 Eosinophilia was the likely reason for Strongyloides testing, which was present either alone or in combination with additional symptoms in 88% of our seropositive patients. The presence of eosinophilia among those who were seropositive was comparable with data reported elsewhere.…”

Habit of cooking pork on hot stones as main risk of cysticercosis

“…This may be because the vegetables and roots that are cooked together with the pork are contaminated with tapeworm eggs from the soil around the cooking site. (28) Consumption of raw or halfcooked T. solium larvae-containing pork is an indirect factor, since it causes taeniasis, which results in contamination of the environment with T.solium eggs, but causes cysticercosis upon autoinfection. This is supported by the study of Khaing et al (23) who reported that the risk factors of cysticercosis transmission are among others community cooking resulting in consumption of half-cooked or raw meat.…”