Research article summary (published 2 Oct 2007):

Hookworm infections in Singaporean soldiers after jungle training in Brunei Darussalam.

Full Abstract

In June 2006, 118 Singaporean soldiers visited Brunei for jungle training for 10 days. Subsequently, two soldiers had severe diarrhoea and were diagnosed with severe hookworm infection. An epidemiological investigation and case-control study was conducted among the 118 soldiers. A survey was administered to determine the exposures predisposing to infection. Laboratory tests included a full blood count and three separate faecal screens via microscopy and culture. All servicemen were treated with one dose of mebendazole, and follow-up screening was performed 3 months later. Of 113 soldiers completing the questionnaire, 43 soldiers (38%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms post deployment, with 33 (29%) complaining of diarrhoea and 29 (26%) of abdominal pain. Eight had an itch or rash, but none were suggestive of cutaneous larva migrans. Of 103 soldiers completing both the questionnaire and with all the laboratory tests, 42 soldiers (41%) had eosinophilia (>0.6x10(9)/l) and 18 (17%) had hookworm infection on microscopy. More than 89% recalled substantial exposure to soil or groundwater, but no exposure was significantly associated with eosinophilia or infection. After adjusting for possible exposures, not wearing footwear during rest periods had a significantly higher odds ratio (2.86) for acquiring hookworm infection or eosinophilia. Helminth infections are common in visitors to rural Asia. As preventing exposure is often difficult, empirical treatment with anthelminthics should be considered in travellers to high risk areas.

Author information

Author/s: Lee, Vernon J (VJ); Ong, Alan (A); Lee, Nan Guang (NG); Lee, Wei Ting (WT); Fong, Kenneth L (KL); Lim, Poh Lian (PL);

Affiliation: Army Medical Services, Singapore Armed Forces, 701 Transit Road, Level 3, Singapore 778910, Republic of Singapore. vernonljm(-atsign-)hotmail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Dec; vol 101 (issue 12) : pp 1214-8

Dates: Created 2007/11/07; Completed 2008/05/02;

PMID: 17919671, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Brunei Case-Control Studies Eosinophilia - epidemiology Feces - parasitology Gastroenteritis - epidemiology

Gastroenteritis - epidemiology Hookworm Infections - epidemiology Humans Military Personnel Questionnaires Singapore - epidemiology

Related articles

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

• Helminth infections in British troops following an operation in Sierra Leone. 8 Jan 2006
• An outbreak of hookworm infection associated with military operations in Grenada. 30 Jan 1989
• Prevalence of asymptomatic hookworm infestation in young Singapore males. 30 May 1986

See 100+ related articles.

Related Article Map

Legend: - FREE Full text Article. - Abstract only. - Title only. More help.

See a large map of 100+ related articles.