Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Military Personnel and Military Dogs, Thailand
Saovanee Leelayoova PhD*, Suradej Siripattanapipong MSc*, Tawee Naaglor BSc*, Paanjit Taamasri MSc*, Mathirut Mungthin MD, PhD*
Affiliation : * Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among military
personnel and military dogs at the Military Dog Center, Veterinary and Remount Department, Royal Thai
Army, Thailand.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2006 to examine intestinal parasitic
infections using wet preparation and, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration. Modified acid fast and gram-
chromotrope stains were used to identify Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia, respectively. Culture for
Blastocystis was performed using Jone’s medium. Genotypic characterization of Blastocystis and Giardia
duodenalis were also determined using PCR-RFLP. To determine the risk factors and outcomes of intestinal
parasitic infections, standardized questionnaires were used in the present study.
Results : Of 317 military personnel, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 22.4%. Blastocystis
was the most predominant intestinal protozoa infection of 14.5 % while G. duodenalis was only 1.3 %. The
prevalence of other helminthic infections were 4.8% which were Strongyloides stercoralis (2.5%), Hookworm
(1.0%), Opisthorchis viverrini (1.0%), and Taenia spp. (0.3%), respectively. Blastocystis subtype 1 was iden-
tified in 25 positive culture specimens while all 4 positive of G. duodenalis were analyzed as Assemblage B,
subgenotype IV. The presented data could not indicate that intestinal parasitic infections and blastocystosis
in this army population were significantly linked to risk association among groups with regard to rank, age
group, working unit, area of residence, animal contact, source and treatment of drinking water. Of 189
military dogs, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was only 3.7% which was Blastocystis sp.
(2.6%), S. stercoralis (0.5%), and Entamoeba coli (0.5%), respectively.
Conclusion : The predominant intestinal parasites found in this population, such as Blastocystis sp. and G.
duodenalis transmit to humans via fecal-oral route so that improvement of sanitation and personal hygiene
should be emphasized.
Keywords : Intestinal parasitic infection, military personnel, military dog, Thailand
