Abstract
BackgroundThe number of migrants working in Malaysia has increased sharply since the 1970’s and there is concern that infectious diseases endemic in other (e.g. neighbouring) countries may be inadvertently imported. Compulsory medical screening prior to entering the workforce does not include parasitic infections such as toxoplasmosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among migrant workers in Peninsular Malaysia by means of serosurveys conducted on a voluntary basis among low-skilled and semi-skilled workers from five working sectors, namely, manufacturing, food service, agriculture and plantation, construction and domestic work.MethodsA total of 484 migrant workers originating from rural locations in neighbouring countries, namely, Indonesia (n = 247, 51.0%), Nepal (n = 99, 20.5%), Bangladesh (n = 72, 14.9%), India (n = 52, 10.7%) and Myanmar (n = 14, 2.9%) were included in this study.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 57.4% (n = 278; 95% CI: 52.7–61.8%) with 52.9% (n = 256; 95% CI: 48.4–57.2%) seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG only, 0.8% (n = 4; 95% CI: 0.2–1.7%) seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM only and 3.7% (n = 18; 95% CI: 2.1–5.4%) seropositive with both IgG and IgM antibodies. All positive samples with both IgG and IgM antibodies showed high avidity (> 40%), suggesting latent infection. Age (being older than 45 years), Nepalese nationality, manufacturing occupation, and being a newcomer in Malaysia (excepting domestic work) were positively and statistically significantly associated with seroprevalence (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that better promotion of knowledge about parasite transmission is required for both migrant workers and permanent residents in Malaysia. Efforts should be made to encourage improved personal hygiene before consumption of food and fluids, thorough cooking of meat and better disposal of feline excreta from domestic pets.
Highlights
The number of migrants working in Malaysia has increased sharply since the 1970’s and there is concern that infectious diseases endemic in other countries may be inadvertently imported
We report on seroprevalence of T. gondii among migrant workers in Malaysia and identify key factors associated with this infection
Socio-demographic characteristics A total of 484 migrant workers in Malaysia were included in this study originating from rural areas in neighbouring countries, namely: Indonesia (n = 247, 51.0%); Nepal (n = 99, 20.5%); Bangladesh (n = 72, 14.9%); India (n = 52, 10.7%), and Myanmar (n = 14, 2.9%)
Summary
The number of migrants working in Malaysia has increased sharply since the 1970’s and there is concern that infectious diseases endemic in other (e.g. neighbouring) countries may be inadvertently imported. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among migrant workers in Peninsular Malaysia by means of serosurveys conducted on a voluntary basis among low-skilled and semi-skilled workers from five working sectors, namely, manufacturing, food service, agriculture and plantation, construction and domestic work. Human infection may occur via ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts shed in the faeces of infected cats; consumption of undercooked or raw meat; consumption of raw oysters, Toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised people may causes damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs and is associated with severe acute infection or with reactivation of past infection. Toxoplasma gondii has emerged as a prime candidate when investigating the relationship between infectious agents and schizophrenia; some individuals with adult toxoplasmosis develop psychotic symptoms [13]
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