Molecular Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar Infection among Aboriginal Communities in the Southern Region of Perak, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: In Malaysia, there are little up-to-date data on the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. and most of the previous studies were carried out using the conventional insensitive method of stool microscopic examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross- sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to Mac 2019 in the three villages of Orang Asli communities at Slim River, Perak using the molecular assay. Risk factors associated with Entamoeba spp. infection was assessed by analysing questionnaire responses obtained from the study participants. RESULTS: From the 55 stool samples collected, molecular prevalence revealed 7.3% and 9.1% E. histolytica and E. dispar infection respectively. Infection was due to indiscriminate defecation and not washing hands after playing with soil or gardening, as well as associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is still an ongoing transmission of Entamoeba spp. among the studied population, thus warrants the implementation of specific prevention and control strategies of this infection in Malaysia.